Description
This Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is a delicious one-pan pasta dish packed with tender chicken, a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Infused with Italian herbs and topped with fresh parsley and basil, it’s the perfect comforting dinner for the whole family.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- Melting 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- You can swap the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option.
- For a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
