Creamy Lemon Chicken & Herb Baked Penne
Creamy Lemon Chicken & Herb Baked Penne is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and a rich creamy sauce over perfectly baked penne pasta. This comforting meal transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With its stunning presentation and mouthwatering aroma, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests while being easy to prepare!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on each side (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and herbs; sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stir in lemon juice and zest, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- Combine cooked penne and creamy chicken sauce in a large bowl; mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, substitute chicken with shrimp or incorporate vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. To lighten the dish, consider using whole grain penne or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.