Description
A comforting dish that combines savory roasted chicken, melted cheese, and a silky sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- Garlic
- Onion
- Mushrooms (cremini or button)
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- White wine or lemon juice
- Heavy cream or whole milk
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Thyme, oregano, and fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let sit while heating the pan.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente; drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden, then remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, then add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth.
- Pour in broth and cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and add shredded cheeses, stirring until smooth. If too thick, whisk in reserved pasta water as needed.
- Return chicken to the pan, add drained pasta, and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if needed.
- Finish with chopped parsley and extra cheese. For a crisp topping, sprinkle panko mixed with olive oil in a baking dish and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce. Save some pasta water as its starch helps the sauce cling. Brown the chicken well for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, cheesy pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner, family meal
