Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

If you’re looking for a comforting, indulgent meal that’s rich in flavor but surprisingly easy to make, Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is the answer! Picture juicy chicken breasts, seared to perfection, smothered in a velvety, Parmesan-infused sauce, then paired with penne pasta for the ultimate bite. This dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a subtle garlic kick and is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without all the fuss. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Here’s why this dish will have you coming back for more:

  • Quick & Easy: This meal is perfect for those nights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. It comes together in just under 30 minutes!
  • One-Pan Wonder: Everything—chicken, sauce, pasta—is cooked in one pan, making it a hassle-free dish and super easy to clean up after.
  • Creamy & Cheesy: The sauce is decadently creamy with a rich, nutty Parmesan flavor that makes every bite heavenly.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or even make it vegetarian by using a plant-based protein.
  • Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors, and it’s the perfect way to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients in Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

A handful of simple ingredients come together to make this dish feel like a gourmet experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the dish, providing a tender, juicy protein.
  • Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out its natural flavors.

For the Sauce:

  • Butter: A creamy, buttery base for the sauce.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that wonderful aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and a savory base to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: For that creamy, smooth texture that makes this sauce extra indulgent.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan provides the rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs to add extra flavor to the sauce.
  • Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the sauce to perfection.

For the Pasta:

  • Penne Pasta: Penne works wonderfully with this creamy sauce, but feel free to use any pasta you love, such as fusilli or rigatoni.
  • Salt: For seasoning the pasta water.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this rich and creamy pasta dish:

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then set it aside.

Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until it melts and combines into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce needs thinning, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and give it one final toss to combine everything.

Serve & Garnish

Serve the creamy Parmesan chicken with penne in bowls or on plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 630
Total Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 38g
Vitamin D: 10µg
Calcium: 350mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 700mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

While this dish is delicious on its own, here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would pair wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
  • Wine Pairing: A glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, makes the perfect pairing for this creamy dish.

Additional Tips

  • Chicken Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a little olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning before searing.
  • Pasta Tip: Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining. It helps thin out the sauce and make it extra creamy.
  • Sauce Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add more chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Veggie Add-ins: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes, chicken thighs will work great! Just be sure to cook them through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q2: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Simply swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta, and make sure the chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

Q3: Can I use shredded Parmesan instead of grated?
A3: Yes, you can! Just make sure to melt it slowly into the sauce to prevent clumping.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: This dish is best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and combine everything just before serving.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
A5: Definitely! Try adding sautéed spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor.

Q6: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A6: If you want a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.

Q7: Can I use non-dairy substitutes for the cream and butter?
A7: Yes! Use plant-based butter and coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative for a non-dairy version of this dish.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure to use a larger pan to accommodate the increased ingredients.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid separating the sauce.

Q10: Can I freeze this dish?
A10: While the texture of the sauce may change slightly, you can freeze the chicken and pasta mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream to revive the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is the perfect balance of rich, creamy goodness and savory chicken, all wrapped up in a comforting pasta dish. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and is guaranteed to impress anyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will steal the show. So go ahead, give it a try—you deserve a little indulgence tonight!

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Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Serving 1x

Description

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken and pasta coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
  • Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Create the Sauce: Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  • Incorporate Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  • Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
  • Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the dish.
  • This recipe can be made ahead of time; just reheat gently before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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