Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta

Recipe Introduction: Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta Perfection!

Ever get that craving for something seriously comforting? Honestly, Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta always hits the spot for me. It's that hug in a bowl.

The crispy chicken, the tangy sauce... oh my gosh. It’s pure bliss, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

A Bit of Background

This dish? It's classic Italian American comfort food, all the way. Think golden, crispy chicken meets perfectly cooked penne pasta , swimming in a rich tomato sauce, topped with bubbly, melted mozzarella and parmesan.

It’s a bit like a Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake but with that lovely Penne Recipes element.

It's not exactly a quickie meal. It's a "medium" difficulty recipe. Allocate around 1 hour and 5 minutes, including prep and cooking.

This recipe happily serves 6 hungry people, and trust me, they'll be coming back for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Dish

One of the best things? It's proper hearty. All that chicken gives you a good protein boost. Perfect for a family dinner or even a special occasion when you want to impress without being overly fancy.

This Chicken Penne Pasta dish is special because it’s familiar but totally customisable. You can easily turn it into a One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta sensation.

Alright, let's get cracking with the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta

Right, let’s get down to brass tacks and talk ingredients! Honestly, the quality here matters. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, yeah? We want this chicken parmesan penne pasta to be top-notch, not just another pasta bake.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Okay, here’s what you need. Don’t panic, it's pretty straightforward.

• Chicken Breasts: You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Make sure they're plump and juicy, not looking sad in the package. Pounding them to about 1/2 inch thickness helps them cook evenly.
• Flour: 1 cup (125g) all-purpose. Season it well!
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups (160g) Panko. These give the best crunch. The regular breadcrumbs dont work too well.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan. You know, proper stuff, not the sawdusty kind.
• Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) . For frying the chicken.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . To get the sauce started!
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz/794g) can. The better the tomatoes, the better the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 oz/425g) can.
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried.
• Basil: 1/2 teaspoon dried.
• Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon . Just a touch to balance the acidity.
• Penne Pasta: 1 pound (454g) . Obviously!
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces (227g) shredded. The stuff that melts like a dream!
• Parmesan Cheese (again): 1/2 cup (50g) grated. More cheese, always!
• Fresh Basil: For garnish (optional).

Seasoning Notes: Get That Flavour Bang On

Alright, let's talk flavours. We’re after that classic Italian vibe.

For this italian chicken pasta you are looking for the best flavour, here are some tips.

• Garlic and oregano are your best friends here, honestly.
• A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth.
• Taste your sauce as it simmers. Adjust the salt, pepper, and sugar as needed. A great trick for chicken pasta sauce recipes !
• Don’t be shy with the seasoning in your breadcrumbs! That’s where a lot of the flavour comes from.

If you haven't got dried oregano, use marjoram instead or a mixed italian herbs blend. This Chicken Penne Pasta , is one of the best Pasta Recipes Penne that you can do!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make cracking chicken parmesan . Here's what you'll need.

• Three shallow dishes: For the breading station.
• Large skillet or frying pan: For cooking the chicken.
• Large pot: For boiling the penne recipes .
• 9x13 inch baking dish: A must for any good Baked Penne Pasta Recipes .

No need to buy anything special. You probably have most of this already. Easy Chicken Penne needs just a few easy steps.

Making the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake doesn't require a lot of equipment, and is a great One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta .

Right, with all the gear and ingredients sorted, we're ready to dive into the fun part: cooking! Let's go make some magic happen in the kitchen, shall we?

Cooking Like a Pro: Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta

Oh my gosh, you guys, let's talk chicken parmesan penne pasta . Honestly, who doesn't love it? It's the ultimate comfort food, right up there with a Sunday roast and a good cuppa.

I've been making it for years, and let me tell you, I've learned a thing or two along the way.

You know that feeling when you nail a pasta recipe penne style? Pure bliss! And this Italian chicken pasta dish? Chef's kiss.

I once tried to rush it, and ended up with soggy chicken. Never again!

Prep Like a Boss

Essential mise en place. Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. This is where you prep your chicken and make your chicken pasta sauce recipes .

It makes the whole process so much smoother. Trust me. Season your panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, oregano, parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Time saving organization tips. Chop your onion and garlic while the pan is heating up. Get the penne recipes ready. Cook the pasta while the sauce simmers. Multi tasking is your friend.

Safety reminders. Be careful when frying the chicken. Hot oil is no joke! Make sure the chicken is cooked through. Internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta: step-by-step

Here's the easy way to cook the dish:

1. Bread the chicken. Flour, egg, then seasoned breadcrumbs. Easy peasy.
2. Fry the chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown, about 4- 5 minutes per side .
3. Make the tomato sauce. Sauté onion and garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for at least 15 minutes .
4. Cook the penne pasta until al dente.
5. Assemble everything in a 9x13 inch baking dish : sauce, pasta, chicken, mozzarella, and parmesan.
6. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 15- 20 minutes , until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for Chicken Penne Pasta perfection!

Expert techniques. Pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps it cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying.

A One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta will be tasty and it is easy to make, but don't compromise on the technique.

Common mistakes to avoid. Overcooking the pasta. It'll get mushy in the oven, and nobody wants that!

make-ahead options. You can make the sauce a day in advance. This baked penne pasta recipes is also nice to prepare it in advance, and cook it when needed.

Just store it in the fridge. Looking for some easy chicken penne ? You can also use pre-made tomato sauce to save time.

A real lifesaver.

Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta

Right, so you're about to tackle my Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta , are you? Ace! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure yours comes out spot on.

Honestly, it's easier than making beans on toast, but these tips will elevate it from 'alright' to 'oh my gosh, that's amazing!'.

Nailing the Serving Suggestions

Okay, so presentation matters, yeah? Think about it like this: you wouldn't serve the Queen a cup of tea in a chipped mug.

For plating, twirl the penne recipes penne into a nest and artfully arrange your Chicken Parmesan on top. A sprinkle of fresh basil? Chef's kiss! As for sides, garlic bread is a must, and a crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly.

Don’t forget a glass of Chianti.

Sorted Storage Tips for Later

Life gets busy. If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey), chuck them in the fridge pronto. They'll be grand for about 3 days.

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake is even possible to freeze. Make sure to cool completely first, and then bung it in a freezer safe container.

Reheating? Oven’s best, keeps the Italian Chicken Pasta crispy. If you are after an Easy Chicken Penne , make sure to have your ingredients ready to go.

Clever Variations on a Classic

Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak this a bit! For a lighter version, use whole wheat Penne Recipes . If you're avoiding dairy (why though?), find some decent vegan mozzarella.

Also this One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta could be easily made gluten-free simply by changing the pasta for a GF variety.

For a seasonal twist, add roasted butternut squash to the sauce in autumn. Trust me, it works!

Nutrition Basics Keeping it Real

Alright, let's be honest. This isn't exactly health food. But, chicken is lean protein, and tomatoes are packed with vitamins.

A serving has around 650-750 calories. Balance is key, right? So, maybe skip the extra helping of garlic bread (said through gritted teeth!).

So there you have it: My notes on nailing the Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta . It is super easy to create some awesome Chicken Pasta Sauce Recipes .

Honestly, give it a go! Even if you’re not a natural cook, you will find that this Baked Penne Pasta Recipes can be the foundation to create some awesome food.

And, remember this Chicken Penne Pasta is much easier than it looks. Now go forth and make something awesome! You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken parmesan penne pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, sauce, and pasta separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake, assemble the dish as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

It's a cracking way to get ahead when you're expecting company!

How do I keep my chicken crispy when making chicken parmesan penne pasta?

The key to crispy chicken is not overcrowding the pan while frying. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature, and make sure to drain the cooked chicken on a wire rack to allow excess oil to drip off. Some people also use an Air Fryer to keep it extra crisp.

What's the best way to store leftovers of chicken parmesan penne pasta?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying it out. The microwave will do, but the oven method is much better.

Can I freeze chicken parmesan penne pasta?

Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture of the pasta and chicken might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze individual portions in freezer safe containers. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Also keep in mind that sauce with a lot of dairy will often separate once frozen.

Are there any variations I can try to spice up my chicken parmesan penne pasta?

Loads! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or sauce for a kick. Try using different types of cheese, like provolone or fontina, for a richer flavor. You can also add some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce. Think of it as "Chicken Parm, But Make it Fancy."

Is this chicken parmesan penne pasta recipe healthy?

Like most comfort foods, Chicken Parmesan Penne Pasta is relatively high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, so moderation is key. Consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reducing the amount of cheese, or baking the chicken instead of frying to cut down on fat. A simple side salad can help balance the meal!