Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne

Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is a rich and comforting one-pan pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe combines juicy, seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a smooth, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that’s infused with Italian herbs. Topped with fresh parsley and basil, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together in no time. Whether you’re cooking for the family or impressing guests, this hearty meal will become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make meal that doesn’t require much effort but yields amazing results. The tender chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly al dente penne create a satisfying dish that’s both comforting and delicious. With the added punch of fresh herbs like parsley and basil, this dish has the perfect balance of savory flavors. It’s a one-pan meal that will save you time and clean-up while still impressing everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

• 1 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Boil the Penne: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set pasta aside.

2. Sear the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

3. Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add more oil or butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer—do not boil.

4. Melt the Parmesan: Stir in Parmesan cheese a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent clumps. Simmer until thickened, 3–4 minutes. Tip: If sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time.

5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add drained penne to the sauce. Stir until fully coated and creamy. Add sliced chicken, fresh parsley, and basil. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water if needed.

6. Serve: Plate in warm bowls. Top with extra herbs and freshly grated Parmesan. Optional: drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for a hearty, vegetarian version of this dish.

• Add Bacon: For a smoky twist, add crispy bacon or pancetta. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

• Different Cheese: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to give the dish a bit of heat.

• Grilled Chicken: Grill the chicken instead of searing it for a slightly smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta and chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little extra cream or reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne works best, but fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni would also work well.

2. Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe and will add a slightly richer flavor.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine them with the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

5. Can I use store-bought Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best in this recipe because it melts smoothly into the sauce. If using pre-grated Parmesan, be sure it’s a good quality brand to achieve the best texture.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can make a dairy-free version by using a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

7. Can I freeze this recipe?

While the pasta and sauce can be frozen, the creamy sauce may separate a little upon reheating. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth.

8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried basil and parsley for fresh herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb in place of the fresh versions.

9. Can I add more garlic?

Definitely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add extra minced garlic to the sauce for an added boost of flavor.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more grated Parmesan cheese or let the sauce simmer longer to reduce and thicken. Adding reserved pasta water in small amounts will also help adjust the consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy one-pan dish is sure to become a go-to weeknight favorite, bringing the rich flavors of Italian cuisine to your dinner table in just 25 minutes. With its satisfying flavors and versatility, it’s a meal the whole family will love.