If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are going to fall absolutely in love with this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken pieces with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce packed with Parmesan goodness. Every bite bursts with comforting flavors while offering just the right balance of richness and freshness. This recipe is pure joy for anyone who craves a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that looks fancy but is actually a breeze to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to create this delightful dish. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe truly irresistible.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta like penne to hold on to the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings richness and creaminess to the sauce base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, providing luscious texture.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and adds savory, meaty flavor.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating that signature nutty and salty tang.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional): Adds a pop of color and subtle earthiness.
- Chopped parsley and extra Parmesan (for garnish): Perfect finishing touches for a fresh, inviting presentation.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Cooking it just until al dente is key, as this will give the pasta the perfect bite without becoming mushy once it’s tossed in the sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the star of the dish – the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms up, season the chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer, letting each piece develop a gorgeous golden crust as you cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Cooking the chicken evenly until no longer pink in the center ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside for the sauce step.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it releases its fragrant aroma without browning. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, which allows it to thicken slightly and intensifies the flavor.
Step 4: Melt in the Parmesan Cheese
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, watching as it magically melts and transforms the sauce into a silky, creamy masterpiece. This step is crucial because the Parmesan lends that signature nutty taste and velvety texture that makes this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe so memorable.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta with the Sauce
Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, letting them soak up some of the luscious sauce. Then, add the cooked penne pasta, tossing everything together gently to ensure every strand and morsel is lovingly coated. If you’re opting to include baby spinach, stir it in now and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves slightly wilt, adding a lovely burst of green that brightens the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing this dish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese really elevates the experience. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous crunch while the additional Parmesan kicks up that cheesy goodness. These simple garnishes make the dish beautiful and give a hint of flavor even before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty entrée pairs wonderfully with light sides that balance the richness. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add texture and freshness to your meal. Garlic bread is also an unbeatable option for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce pooling around the pasta. You can also add a few roasted cherry tomatoes on top for color contrast, or place some freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving for a gourmet flair. Presentation makes all the difference when sharing this dish with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it a perfect candidate for next-day lunches or weeknight dinners when time is tight.
Freezing
While the texture of the pasta may slightly change, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, making sure it’s well sealed. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to bring back that creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating and enjoy as if it was freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great because its shape catches the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a light cream alternative for a lighter version. The sauce will be a little less rich but still delicious and creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe?
Definitely! Baby spinach is included as an option, but you can also toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas to add color and additional flavors.
What if I want more sauce? How can I adjust?
Simply increase the heavy cream and chicken broth quantities slightly, and add extra Parmesan to maintain that signature creamy, cheesy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a fantastic meal prep option. Make a big batch, portion it out, and store it in the fridge for quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Making the Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe is like inviting comfort and elegance to your dinner table all at once. It’s wonderfully easy to make, deeply satisfying, and sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be craving it again and again. So why not dive in and give this creamy, cheesy, chicken-and-pasta delight a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce served over perfectly al dente penne pasta. Enhanced with garlic and Italian seasoning, this skillet meal is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cooking Fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional and Garnish
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to use later in the dish.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until it has melted completely, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Add Spinach (optional): If using baby spinach, stir it into the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan chicken penne hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative to reduce fat content.
