Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Introduction

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish that blends perfectly seasoned chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and pasta. When combined with the nutty, salty goodness of Parmesan cheese, this dish reaches a new level of decadence. Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is the epitome of indulgent comfort food that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and gourmet flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something delicious, this dish will be your go-to.

This recipe delivers a creamy, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the penne pasta and tender chicken, all topped with a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at an upscale Italian restaurant, yet it’s easy enough to make in the comfort of your own kitchen. With only a few key ingredients, you can whip up a delightful meal that’s full of flavor and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes like Chicken Alfredo or Shrimp Scampi, this recipe will quickly become another favorite to add to your collection. Plus, the versatility of the ingredients allows you to make various tweaks to suit your preferences. Ready to dive into this delicious dish? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need for Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne:

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (or thighs if preferred)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or more as needed for cooking)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for added freshness)

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced (you can add more if you love garlic)
1 cup heavy cream (use full-fat cream for the best texture)
1 cup chicken broth (for a lighter sauce, you can substitute with vegetable broth)
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh thyme/oregano for a personalized touch)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little spice)
Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Penne:

12 oz penne pasta (or any other pasta shape like rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Salt, for pasta water

Directions

Now, let’s break down the steps to create this delicious Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne:

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Boil the pasta water: Start by filling a large pot with water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. This step is crucial because the salt helps season the pasta while it cooks.
Cook the pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions—usually around 10-12 minutes—until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite, but not hard). Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together.
Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is done, carefully drain it, but don’t discard the water just yet. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to help adjust the consistency of the sauce later if needed.
Set the pasta aside: After draining, set the cooked pasta aside, ready to be combined with the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the chicken for an added layer of flavor.
Heat the skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat up and shimmer slightly before adding the chicken.
Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
Slice the chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This will help it incorporate beautifully into the pasta later.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Add the liquids: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes. You want to let it thicken slightly, so keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
Add the cheese: Once the cream has simmered, lower the heat to medium-low and gradually stir in 1 ½ cups of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce: Add ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, now is the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir the sauce and let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring all the flavors are well combined.
Adjust the sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the pasta: Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta gently, ensuring every piece is coated in the sauce.
Add the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and sauce mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
Taste and adjust: Give everything a taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more pasta water or chicken broth.
Serve: Transfer the creamy Parmesan chicken and penne to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each plate is generously coated with sauce and topped with tender chicken pieces. This creamy pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or even some sautéed vegetables like broccoli or spinach.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields about 4-5 servings, depending on portion size.
Prep time: Approximately 10-15 minutes for slicing the chicken, prepping the pasta, and gathering ingredients.
Cook time: Around 25-30 minutes to cook the chicken, make the sauce, and cook the pasta.
Total time: 40-45 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is highly customizable. Here are some ways to personalize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

1. Add Vegetables

Adding veggies to this dish not only increases its nutritional value but also adds more color and texture. Consider adding:
- Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach towards the end of cooking the sauce to wilt it.
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the pan before adding the garlic for a deep umami flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These will add a tangy, slightly sweet kick to the sauce.

2. Swap the Protein

If chicken isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it for other proteins:
- Shrimp: Shrimp pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces. Cook them in the pan until pink and tender, then add them to the pasta.
- Turkey: Ground turkey or turkey cutlets are a leaner option that can be used instead of chicken.
- Bacon: For a crispy and smoky flavor, add some cooked bacon bits to the pasta before serving.

3. Make it Spicy

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use jalapeños for a fresher, bolder flavor.

4. Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the penne for gluten-free pasta. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available, such as rice or corn-based pasta.

5. Low-Carb / Keto

For a low-carb alternative, consider replacing the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice. These provide a similar texture without the carbs, making it perfect for a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

Leftovers of Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure that the dish is fully cooled before storing to prevent bacterial growth.

Freezing:

You can also freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Transfer the cooled chicken and pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a small splash of chicken broth or heavy cream. Gently warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will help bring the creamy sauce back to life and keep the pasta from drying out.
You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe container. Stir the pasta halfway through reheating to ensure even warmth.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While Parmesan is traditional, you can experiment with cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano for a unique flavor.

2. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed, fresh chicken for the best texture. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it first and cook it thoroughly.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply store the sauce and chicken separately and combine them with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

5. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Heavy cream offers a thick, luxurious texture that half-and-half can’t quite match.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter, almond milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

7. What should I serve with this dish?

Garlic bread is a classic pairing, as is a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or spinach would also make excellent sides.

8. Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While penne works beautifully, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta.

9. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is the perfect comfort food that combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture. With a silky, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish offers everything you want in a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing dinner guests, or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.