Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe

If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully combines tender, juicy chicken with al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy parmesan sauce that’s irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe balances simplicity with indulgence, offering every bite full of flavor and rich texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Finding the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the mellow creaminess of the heavy cream to the bold, savory notes of garlic and tomato paste. Together, they create a harmony of tastes and textures that make this dish so memorable.

• 1 lb penne pasta: Opt for penne to catch every bit of sauce in its tubes for maximum flavor in every bite.
• 2 large chicken breasts, cubed: Cubing the chicken ensures quick cooking and easy mixing with pasta.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: A quality olive oil adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory depth in the cooking chicken.
• 1 tsp paprika: Brings a mild smoky warmth and inviting color.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to season and bring out all the flavors.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that makes this dish truly indulgent.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and balances the cream.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for that signature cheesy, nutty richness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds punch and aroma to the sauce.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Offers a subtle tang and deeper flavor complexity.
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the penne according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente so that the pasta has a perfect bite and doesn’t become too soft when combined with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set it aside, making sure not to rinse off its starch—it helps the sauce stick better.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Toss in the cubed chicken breasts, and sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cooking the chicken until golden brown seals in the juices and adds those mouthwatering browned bits that enhance the dish’s flavor. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Next, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, letting them cook together for 1 to 2 minutes until their fragrances fill your kitchen. This step builds a savory and slightly tangy foundation for the sauce that perfectly complements the creamy elements coming next.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring occasionally as the sauce thickens slowly, which should take around 5 minutes. This luscious base is where all the flavors combine into one unforgettable sauce.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, velvety sauce that clings lovingly to the chicken and will soon coat the pasta.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Finally, add the cooked penne into the skillet, tossing everything together until each piece of pasta is generously coated with the creamy Parmesan goodness. This step is crucial for marrying all the individual flavors into one cohesive, comforting dish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top, which adds color and a fresh, herby hint that cuts through the richness in all the right ways. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice, but you can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick or a few shavings of extra Parmesan to enhance the cheesy appeal. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can add a silky finish, too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, which add a fresh crunch and balance out the richness. For more indulgence, garlic bread or a warm baguette makes for perfect dipping companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of fresh parsley or basil for a restaurant feel. Alternatively, plate the chicken and pasta alongside a wedge of lemon to brighten each bite subtly. For a fun twist, roast the chicken first on skewers, then toss with the sauce and pasta to create a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy sauce might thicken upon cooling, so don’t worry if it looks a little thick when you open it again.

Freezing

Although this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to two months. Place cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Keep in mind that the texture of cream sauces may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to loosen the sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps restore its original silky texture. Avoid microwaving too long at once to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is recommended because its shape holds the sauce so well, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep the pasta al dente.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a rich texture, and use a dairy-free parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast to mimic that nutty flavor.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for meal prep?

You can cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them in airtight containers, but it’s best to combine them with the sauce right before serving to keep everything fresh and creamy.

What wine pairs well with Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe?

A buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully, enhancing the dish’s cozy, inviting flavors without overpowering them.

How can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions stirred in with the sauce. They add color, texture, and a nutritional boost while blending seamlessly with the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and elegance to your dinner table without a complicated process. Its blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness is one of my all-time favorites to cuddle up with after a busy day. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why this recipe is such a beloved classic!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is a delicious and comforting pasta dish featuring tender cubed chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, perfectly combined with al dente penne pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

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For the Pasta

• 1 lb penne pasta

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened slightly, which enhances the flavor.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Incorporate Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese has melted completely, creating a smooth, rich sauce.
6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and toss well to ensure each piece of pasta is coated evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce and chicken.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your creamy Parmesan chicken penne.

Notes

• You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
• For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
• To add vegetables, toss in spinach or mushrooms in step 4 before adding the cream.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian