Description
Enjoy a comforting dinner with Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Penne and Roasted Potatoes, a satisfying dish that’s full of flavor. This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, rich creamy pasta, and crispy roasted potatoes, making it a perfect choice for any weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 Chicken Breasts
Pasta
- 8 oz Penne Pasta
Cream Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Potatoes
- 2 cups Potatoes, cubed
Garnish
- Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Dice the chicken, chop the garlic, and cube the potatoes for even cooking. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Roast the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cubed potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy, giving them a shake halfway through for even browning.
- Cook the Pasta: While the potatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked penne to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat. Slice the chicken and nestle it on top of the pasta. Serve the roasted potatoes on the side or mixed in for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in a tender bite.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for flavor; avoid using garlic powder for this recipe.
- Season Generously: Make sure to season each component well for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Cream: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add Fresh Herbs Last: Stir in fresh herbs at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Chicken, Creamy Pasta, Roasted Potatoes, Comfort Food