Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 55 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until it has melted completely, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://quickfoodsecrets.com/creamy-parmesan-chicken-with-penne-recipe/