Creamy Penne Gorgonzola Chicken: A Delectable Italian Comfort Dish

There’s nothing quite like a rich, creamy pasta dish to bring comfort and joy to the dinner table. Our Penne Gorgonzola Chicken recipe is a true testament to the beauty of classic Italian cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. This dish is renowned for its luscious Gorgonzola cream sauce, perfectly balanced so the cheese provides a delightful depth without being overpowering, making it a surprisingly accessible and incredibly tasty meal for the whole family.

My journey to perfecting this Penne Gorgonzola Chicken recipe began in a charming, almost hidden Italian restaurant in my town. This quaint spot, tucked away in an obscure location, quickly became my favorite culinary escape. While dining there, I consistently ordered their exquisite pear and gorgonzola pasta – a dish so utterly delicious, words could barely describe it. Each bite was a revelation, a perfect symphony of sweet and savory notes that left a lasting impression.

The Quest for the Perfect Gorgonzola Sauce

Inspired by this culinary masterpiece, I decided to try my hand at replicating a gorgonzola pasta sauce at home. My first attempt, however, was far from a success. The sauce turned out clumpy, with the gorgonzola flavor being overwhelmingly strong and sharp. It was a complete disaster, leaving both me and my family quite disappointed. The dream of recreating that restaurant-quality experience seemed distant.

Undeterred by the initial setback, I decided to give it another try. This time, I was lucky enough to receive a collection of cherished family recipes from a blogging friend, Jen. Tucked within her treasured recipes was a gorgonzola pasta dish. With renewed hope, I embarked on my second attempt, and the results were nothing short of spectacular!

This particular recipe, while indulgent due to its generous use of butter and cream, proved to be an absolute game-changer. The rich, velvety texture of the sauce and the sophisticated flavor profile instantly reminded me of my beloved restaurant’s signature dish. I can honestly say that this homemade gorgonzola sauce closely rivals the one I’ve savored at my favorite eatery, making it my go-to recipe whenever that specific craving strikes.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the impeccable balance of flavors. The robust character of the gorgonzola cheese is beautifully mellowed by the cream and butter, resulting in a sauce that is incredibly rich and savory, yet remarkably smooth and harmonious. Even the kids at home absolutely loved it, which is high praise for a blue cheese dish! It was a perfect, classic Italian dinner that was both gourmet and comforting, proving that even a notoriously strong cheese can be incorporated into a family-friendly meal with the right touch.

A huge thank you to Jen for sharing this incredible recipe!

Penne Gorgonzola Chicken Recipe

Yield: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 22 mins

Total Time: 42 mins

Rating: 4.60 stars (5 ratings)

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Ingredients

• 3 large chicken breasts
• 1 pound penne pasta
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 pint heavy cream (about 2 cups)
• 4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill the chicken until fully cooked through and golden brown (an indoor grill pan works wonderfully for this, or you can use an outdoor grill or skillet). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin, bite-sized strips. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, proceed with preparing the gorgonzola sauce. Drain the pasta once cooked, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
3. Make the Gorgonzola Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, bring it to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Let it simmer for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a low boil, allowing it to reduce and thicken for about 3 minutes, still stirring frequently.
4. Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the crumbled gorgonzola cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, and ground nutmeg to the saucepan. Stir gently until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta directly to the saucepan with the gorgonzola sauce. Toss gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. Serve immediately in bowls, topping each serving with the sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy this rich and satisfying Italian classic!

Pro Tips for Perfect Penne Gorgonzola Chicken

Achieving restaurant-quality creamy gorgonzola pasta at home is easier than you think with these simple tips:

• Choose Your Gorgonzola Wisely: Gorgonzola comes in two main varieties: dolce (sweet, milder, and creamier) and piccante (sharp, firm, and more pungent). For a balanced sauce that isn’t overpowering, especially if you’re new to blue cheese or serving family, the dolce variety is highly recommended. It melts beautifully and blends seamlessly into the cream.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce Reduction: Allowing the cream to gently simmer and reduce concentrates its flavor and thickens the sauce naturally, creating that luxurious texture. Constant stirring prevents scorching.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This is a secret weapon in Italian cooking! The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly silky and ensuring it clings perfectly to the pasta. Add it gradually until you reach your preferred consistency.
• Grill Chicken to Perfection: Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly cooked and tender. Marinating them briefly before grilling can add an extra layer of flavor and moisture. Slicing them after resting helps retain juices.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: While the recipe calls for shredded Parmesan, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and offers a superior flavor compared to pre-shgrated varieties.
• Adjust Nutmeg to Taste: Nutmeg is a classic complement to cream and cheese sauces, adding a subtle warmth. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.

Author: Mel

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American (with Italian influence)

Method: Grilled, Stovetop

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (approximate):

• Serving: 1 Serving
• Calories: 944 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Fat: 56 g
• Saturated Fat: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 262 mg
• Sodium: 675 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g

Recommended Products

8-Inch Chef’s Knife

Quality Cookware Set

Over-the-Sink Colander

Recipe Source: from Jen K.

Why This Penne Gorgonzola Chicken Will Become a Staple

This Penne Gorgonzola Chicken isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience. It strikes a rare balance between gourmet indulgence and comforting familiarity, making it suitable for both a fancy dinner party and a casual weeknight meal. The secret lies in the thoughtful preparation of the gorgonzola sauce, which captures the distinct flavor of the cheese without overwhelming the palate. Paired with succulent grilled chicken and al dente penne, it offers a complete, satisfying meal that truly feels special.

The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the straightforward instructions, makes this an approachable recipe even for novice cooks looking to impress. And for those who might be hesitant about blue cheese, this recipe is the perfect introduction, showcasing how its unique characteristics can be beautifully integrated into a creamy, savory sauce that is universally appealing. Prepare to fall in love with this easy, elegant, and utterly delicious Penne Gorgonzola Chicken!