Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

If you’re craving a rich, comforting pasta dish that’s quick to make yet loaded with flavor, then this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is the recipe you need! Tender chicken, a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta come together for a dinner that’s bound to impress your family or guests. It’s a meal that hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, and satisfying. Plus, it’s ready in just about 30 minutes! You’ll want to save this recipe for those nights when you need a little something special.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

This creamy Parmesan chicken pasta is not just easy to make, but it’s also incredibly delicious! Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese coats every bite with indulgence.
• Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Perfect Comfort Food: The combination of tender chicken and pasta in a luscious sauce is the very definition of comfort food.
• Customizable: You can add veggies or swap out ingredients to make this dish exactly how you like it!

How Does It Taste?

Imagine tender chicken with a crispy golden-brown crust, nestled on a bed of penne pasta smothered in a velvety, garlicky Parmesan sauce. The Italian seasoning adds a touch of warmth, and every bite is rich without being overly heavy. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, and the fresh parsley on top brings a bit of brightness to balance it all.

Benefits of This Recipe

Not only is this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne delicious, but it also offers:

• Simplicity: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this dish!
• Meal Prep Potential: It stores and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy Parmesan chicken pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

To make this dish, you only need a few basic kitchen tools:

• A large pot for boiling pasta
• A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce
• A spatula or tongs for turning the chicken
• A knife for slicing the chicken
• A cutting board for prepping ingredients

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make this delightful dish!

1. Cook the Pasta

First, start by cooking your pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
• Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Next, you’ll cook the chicken:

• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. (The internal temperature should reach 165°F.)
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Now, it’s time to create that irresistible creamy sauce:

• Using the same skillet (don’t wash it! All those chicken drippings add flavor), add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

With the sauce ready, it’s time to bring it all together:

• Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce, and toss until the pasta is fully coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Now for the final step:

• Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them on top of the creamy penne pasta.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve immediately, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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What to Serve with Creamy Parmesan Chicken

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can always pair it with a side dish to make it extra special:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce!
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli or asparagus for a healthy side.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.

Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chicken with Penne

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
• Don’t rush the chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown for the best texture and flavor.
• Reserve some pasta water: If the sauce becomes too thick, adding a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it up.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storage: Place the leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Just wait to toss the pasta with the sauce until just before serving for the best texture.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would make great additions to this dish. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream to the sauce.

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Conclusion

There you have it—Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is a meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve for special occasions. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish delivers rich flavors and a creamy texture everyone will love. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Looking for more pasta inspiration? Check out my recipes for Chicken Alfredo Bake or Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Linguine!

And don’t forget—if you make this dish, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below or share your photos with me on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 145mg

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