Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience! This mouthwatering Garlic Penne with Chicken and Mushrooms is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta, golden-brown chicken, and earthy mushrooms, all dancing together in a fragrant garlic embrace. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a dish so delicious, it'll become your new go-to recipe that impresses everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, pat chicken breast slices dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add chicken slices in a single layer.
- Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot.
- Add sautéed chicken and mushroom-garlic mixture to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
- If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season the pasta from within.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't rush the mushroom sautéing process; letting them brown develops deeper, more complex flavors.
- Reserve pasta water before draining—its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture; pre-grated cheese can't compare.
- Cook chicken to exactly 165°F to ensure it's safe and juicy, using a meat thermometer for precision.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine or a pat of butter when combining ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 497kcal
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
