Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
Indulge in this delectable Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta with Grilled Chicken, a perfect blend of flavors that combines tender grilled chicken, vibrant vegetables, and al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it's a celebration of taste and comfort that's ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties. With its aromatic herbs and melting cheeses, every bite is a delightful experience! Serve it warm and watch your loved ones rave about it.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Penne pasta
1 lb (Cooked according to package instructions)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking chicken)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Medium onion
1 (Chopped)
Medium green pepper
1 (Chopped)
Butter or margarine
1/2 cup (Melted)
Flour
2-4 tablespoons (For roux)
Milk
2 cups (2% preferred)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Salt and pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Lemon zest
to taste (Freshly grated)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Optional, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until chicken is nearly cooked through. Stir in the chopped green pepper and onion, and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.
3
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 lb of penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4
In a separate saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in 2-4 tablespoons of flour, whisking to create a roux. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until golden.
5
Add minced garlic (2 cloves) to the roux and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
6
Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches a creamy sauce consistency, approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and vegetables with the drained penne pasta. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the pasta and mix until evenly coated. Season with lemon zest, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
8
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and if desired, add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy flavor.
9
Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10
Serve warm and enjoy your delightful garlic penne pasta!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Vegetables.
What oven temperature is required for baking this pasta?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How much chicken is needed for this dish?
You will need 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of penne pasta.
How long should the chicken cook in the skillet?
The chicken should cook for 5-7 minutes, or until nearly cooked through.
Which vegetables are included in the pasta mix?
The recipe includes one chopped medium green pepper and one chopped medium onion.
How much butter is required for the garlic sauce?
You need 1/2 cup of melted butter or margarine.
How do you make the roux for the sauce?
Melt butter and whisk in 2-4 tablespoons of flour, cooking for 3-5 minutes until golden.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of milk is preferred for the creamy sauce?
2% milk is preferred, and you will need 2 cups.
How long does it take for the sauce to reach the right consistency?
It takes approximately 10-15 minutes of whisking and boiling to reach a creamy consistency.
What specific seasonings are added to the pasta mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with lemon zest, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
How much Parmesan cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is there an optional cheese that can be added?
Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor.
Does the baking dish need to be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the pasta mixture should be transferred to a greased baking dish.
How long should the dish be baked while covered with foil?
Bake the dish covered with foil for 15 minutes.
How long do you bake the pasta after removing the foil?
Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
What is the primary cooking oil used for the chicken?
1 tablespoon of olive oil is used to cook the chicken.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total.
What texture should the pasta be when boiled?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, one dish meal, grilled chicken, garlic, and comfort food.
When should the minced garlic be added to the sauce?
Add the garlic to the roux after the flour and butter have cooked for 3-5 minutes.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine.
What is the final step before serving?
Ensure the dish is bubbly and golden, then serve it warm.
Is the lemon zest measured or to taste?
The lemon zest should be added to taste.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features a rich and creamy garlic sauce with aromatic herbs and melting cheeses.
How should the vegetables be cut?
The onion and green pepper should both be chopped.
What should I do if the sauce has lumps?
To avoid lumps, pour the milk in gradually while whisking continuously.
What makes this dish ideal for dinner parties?
Its blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich garlic sauce makes it a celebration of taste and comfort.