The Dreamiest Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a delightful creamy chicken penne pasta sparks joy in home kitchens everywhere.

Weeknight dinners transform with this simple yet satisfying dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between perfectly cooked pasta tubes.

Silky sauce coats each ingredient with rich, comforting flavors.

Pantry staples combine into a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Fragrant herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese complete this irresistible plate.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that everyone requests.

Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta That Warms The Heart

• Simplify Dinner Prep: This chicken penne pasta recipe transforms complex cooking into a straightforward process, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without extensive kitchen skills.
• Family-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken create a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this skillet-based recipe that combines all ingredients in a single pan, reducing dishwashing time and kitchen clutter while delivering maximum flavor.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, allowing you to serve a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour without complicated techniques or expensive components.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that catches the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Chicken: Protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and velvety sauce base.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth of flavor and helps create the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty taste and helps thicken the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile and aromatic base for the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and prevents sticking in the skillet.

How To Cook Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get a large pot of water bubbling and cook the penne pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Grab a spacious skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and let them dance and sizzle until they turn a beautiful golden brown, creating those irresistible crispy edges.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Slide chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet with the chicken. Let them mingle and soften, releasing their mouthwatering fragrance that’ll make everyone’s stomach growl with anticipation.

Step 4: Create the Luxurious Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, watching it transform into a silky, dreamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and blends into the sauce, creating a creamy wonderland that clings to every pasta curve.

Step 6: Combine and Coat

Introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing and turning until every single penne is luxuriously coated in the velvety sauce. Each bite will be a creamy, flavor-packed experience.

Step 7: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, giving the dish a final flavor boost. Taste and adjust seasonings until it’s exactly right.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Plate up this gorgeous creation and scatter some freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot, watching as everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy.

Pro Tips For Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

• Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sticking and ensure perfect texture when mixing with sauce.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that cooks quickly and evenly.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Adjust cream sauce consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer to reduce and thicken.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.

Creative Variations For Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Penne: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and red pepper flakes for a zesty kick. Swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese and top with fresh cilantro.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Mushroom Spinach Chicken Penne: Mix in sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach leaves. Replace heavy cream with light cream cheese for a lighter sauce. Garnish with toasted pine nuts.
• Bacon Blue Cheese Chicken Pasta: Crisp up bacon bits and sprinkle throughout. Add crumbled blue cheese for a tangy flavor.

Perfect Pairings For Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chardonnay with buttery notes that complements the pasta's creamy texture, cutting through the richness while enhancing the chicken's flavor.
• Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty contrast against the pasta's smooth and hearty profile, adding brightness and balance to the meal.
• Roasted Garlic Bread Enhancer: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce, creating a delightful combination that elevates the entire dining experience with added texture and herbal undertones.

Storage Advice For Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture and creaminess. Stir gently to prevent sticking and maintain the sauce's texture.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs About Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini. Choose pasta with ridges or curves that help hold the creamy sauce.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken penne pasta reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting “creamy chicken penne pasta” blends Italian culinary tradition with rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients meld perfectly, offering a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through.
3. Reduce heat to medium and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Gradually pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a smooth liquid base and stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
5. Simmer the liquid mixture for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to slightly reduce and develop deeper flavors.
6. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese completely melts and creates a velvety, rich sauce.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each penne is evenly coated and heated thoroughly.
8. Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
9. Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Use high-quality, fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure tender, evenly cooked meat with minimal prep time.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, balanced dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg