Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Penne Bake
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Penne Bake, a one-pot wonder that combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rainbow of vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. With every bite, you'll enjoy the warmth of comforting flavors and the vibrant taste of broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is not only time-efficient but also makes for easy cleanup. Gather your loved ones, serve it straight from the pot, and share the joy of a hearty meal together!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
chicken breast
3/4 lb (boneless & skinless, cubed)
chicken broth
14 1/2 ounces (canned)
uncooked penne pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower mix
16 ounces (frozen)
ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
condensed cream of chicken soup
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
milk
3/4 cup (none)
grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (divided)
Instructions
1
In a large 5-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the cubed chicken breast and cook until no longer pink, stirring frequently for even cooking.
2
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked penne pasta, frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower mix along with the ground pepper. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully covered by the liquid.
3
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for approximately 13 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Be sure to stir every two to three minutes to prevent sticking.
4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
5
Once the pasta is cooked, carefully stir the soup mixture into the pot, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Gently heat the mixture until just boiling, then remove from heat.
6
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. Dish up the creamy pasta bake while it's hot, and enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Penne Bake?
It is a one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a mix of vegetables in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be time-efficient and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce frozen mix of broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the pot?
No, you add 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta directly to the chicken broth and simmer it until tender.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 3/4 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed for even cooking.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made by whisking together condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need in total?
A total of 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is used, divided into two parts.
How do I use the Parmesan cheese in the recipe?
1/2 cup is whisked into the soup mixture, and the remaining 1/4 cup is sprinkled over the top before serving.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A large 5-quart saucepan is ideal for this one-pot meal.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe calls for one 14.5-ounce can of chicken broth.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat and cook the cubed chicken until no longer pink.
How long should the pasta simmer?
The pasta should simmer for approximately 13 minutes or until it becomes tender.
Should the pan be covered while simmering?
Yes, you should cover the pan and reduce the heat to low while the pasta and vegetables simmer.
How often should I stir the pasta while it simmers?
It is recommended to stir every two to three minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of milk.
What kind of soup is used?
A 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup is used.
How do I season the dish?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper, added during the pasta simmering stage.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly meal that is sure to please both kids and adults.
When do I add the creamy soup mixture?
The soup mixture is stirred into the pot once the pasta is fully cooked and tender.
Does this recipe require a lot of cleanup?
No, because it is a one-pot wonder, it makes for very easy cleanup.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready once it is no longer pink on the inside.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen, you can use fresh vegetables, though you may need to adjust the simmering time slightly.
What type of pasta shape is used?
Penne pasta is used in this specific recipe.
How do I finish the dish?
Heat the mixture until it just reaches a boil, remove from heat, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Is the chicken broth added at room temperature?
The recipe uses canned broth, which is typically added at room temperature and then brought to a boil in the pan.
What heat setting should I use to melt the butter?
Use medium heat to melt the butter and cook the chicken.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
While cream of chicken is standard, other condensed cream soups like cream of mushroom could work as a variation.
Is the Parmesan cheese grated or shredded?
The recipe specifically calls for grated Parmesan cheese.
How many grams of pasta are used?
8 ounces of pasta is roughly equivalent to 227 grams.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served hot, ideally straight from the pot to share the joy of a hearty meal.