Chicken Penne Gorgonzola

The Chicken Penne Gorgonzola is a dish close to my heart. I remember the first time I had it at Johnny Carino’s, where the creamy sauce and tender chicken left an unforgettable impression. Every bite was a comfort, reminiscent of family dinners where laughter fills the air and everyone enjoys hearty meals together. This recipe takes me back to those moments, allowing me to recreate that magical experience in my own kitchen. When I decided to make it for my family, I wanted to make sure that I captured all the flavors and textures that made it so special. So gather around, because I’m about to share with you a dish that’s not only delicious but also brings warmth to any table.

Ingredient List for Chicken Penne Gorgonzola

When it comes to the ingredients for Chicken Penne Gorgonzola, they work in harmony to create a dish that is both comforting and flavorful. The key players include chicken, Gorgonzola cheese, and penne pasta. Each ingredient complements the others, ensuring a rich taste that’s sure to satisfy.

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: This lean protein forms the backbone of the dish, providing a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Salt to taste: A culinary staple that enhances the flavors of the dish, making everything pop.
• Ground black pepper to taste: Adds a hint of spice and depth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil plus extra if needed: Essential for cooking the chicken and ensuring it stays moist and delicious.
• 8 ounces white button mushrooms sliced: These add an earthy flavor and a nice texture, complementing the richness of the dish.
• 1 pound dry penne pasta: A classic choice that holds the sauce perfectly, allowing each bite to be flavorful.
• 2 cups half and half: This creamy base forms the sauce, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.
• 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese crumbled: The star of the sauce, its sharp and tangy flavor takes the dish to the next level.
• 1/2 cup chopped red tomatoes: Freshness is key, and these tomatoes bring a burst of color and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese: A final touch that adds depth and a savory note, rounding out the dish beautifully.

Recipe Steps for Chicken Penne Gorgonzola

Making Chicken Penne Gorgonzola is a delightful cooking experience that lets you enjoy the process. Follow these steps to create a delicious meal everyone will love.

1. Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that it cooks evenly. Season the chicken with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for several minutes before slicing it into 1/4-inch slices.
3. In the same skillet, add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil if needed. Add the sliced mushrooms with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté them over medium-high heat until they are browned and tender, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn; you want them to have a lovely golden color.
4. While the mushrooms are cooking, prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to salt the water for flavor. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside.
5. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the half and half and Gorgonzola cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. This will take about 5 minutes. Be patient and don’t let it boil; you want a smooth and creamy sauce.
6. Once the sauce has thickened, add the sautéed mushrooms to the sauce and mix well. This is where the flavors come together! The aroma will be irresistible.
7. To serve, divide the cooked penne pasta evenly among 4 plates. Top each serving with the sliced chicken. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken and pasta, making sure to coat everything well.
8. Finally, garnish with chopped tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese to add a fresh touch and some extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Recipe Notes about Chicken Penne Gorgonzola

Preparing Chicken Penne Gorgonzola is straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure it’s perfect every time. These insights will help you elevate your cooking skills and enjoy this dish even more.

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately to maintain the texture. Use airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sauce for later use. Just allow it to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to two months in the freezer.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving it alongside a simple Caesar salad or some roasted greens.
• Garnish ideas: Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, make a lovely garnish for this dish. They add a burst of color and freshness.
• Cooking protein alternatives: Feel free to try this recipe with other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

How to Enjoy Chicken Penne Gorgonzola

Serving Chicken Penne Gorgonzola can transform a regular meal into a delightful feast. Here are some great ideas for enjoying this dish:

• Family dinners: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table with its comforting flavors.
• Special occasions: Whether it’s a birthday or anniversary, impress your guests with this restaurant-quality meal.
• Weeknight meals: Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
• Pairing suggestions: Serve with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread to round out the meal.
• Picnics and potlucks: Pack it up for a picnic or bring it along to a potluck; it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Leftover transformations: Use leftovers to create a pasta bake by layering the pasta, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish and baking until bubbly.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken Penne Gorgonzola is a wonderful recipe that encapsulates comfort and flavor in each bite. Its creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta makes it a dish worth trying. I encourage you to give it a shot at your next family dinner or special gathering. You won’t be disappointed, and I bet it will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Chicken Penne Gorgonzola

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Penne Gorgonzola features creamy cheese and tender chicken over pasta for an easy weeknight dinner. All the flavors come together beautifully, making it a dish you'll crave again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil plus extra if needed
• 8 ounces white button mushrooms sliced
• 1 pound dry penne pasta
• 2 cups half and half
• 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese crumbled
• 1/2 cup chopped red tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that it cooks evenly. Season the chicken with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for several minutes before slicing it into 1/4-inch slices.
• In the same skillet, add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil if needed. Add the sliced mushrooms with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté them over medium-high heat until they are browned and tender, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn; you want them to have a lovely golden color.
• While the mushrooms are cooking, prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to salt the water for flavor. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside.
• Now, it’s time to make the sauce. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the half and half and Gorgonzola cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. This will take about 5 minutes. Be patient and don’t let it boil; you want a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Once the sauce has thickened, add the sautéed mushrooms to the sauce and mix well. This is where the flavors come together! The aroma will be irresistible.
• To serve, divide the cooked penne pasta evenly among 4 plates. Top each serving with the sliced chicken. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken and pasta, making sure to coat everything well.
• Finally, garnish with chopped tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese to add a fresh touch and some extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Notes

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately to maintain the texture. Use airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sauce for later use. Just allow it to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to two months in the freezer.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving it alongside a simple Caesar salad or some roasted greens.
• Garnish ideas: Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, make a lovely garnish for this dish. They add a burst of color and freshness.
• Cooking protein alternatives: Feel free to try this recipe with other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

Keyword comfort food recipes, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Gorgonzola Recipe, Penne Pasta Dish

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.