Description
There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy pasta dish to bring comfort to your dinner table. This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is a rich, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken, a luscious parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta creates a dish that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
This recipe is one of those go-to meals that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving a bowl of creamy goodness, this dish is sure to hit the spot. With its smooth, cheesy sauce and juicy chicken, every bite is packed with flavor.
Let’s dive into this delicious, creamy pasta dish that will become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and milk, letting it simmer gently for a couple of minutes.
Slowly add in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy parmesan sauce. Then, add the drained penne pasta, tossing everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, avoid pre-packaged grated cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the flavor.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente – Since the pasta will continue absorbing the sauce, slightly undercooking it ensures it stays firm and doesn’t become mushy.
- Control the Sauce Thickness – If your sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little extra milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Customize the Dish – Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
- Make It Spicier – If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use Chicken Thighs Instead – If you prefer juicier chicken, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Serving Suggestion – This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers Tip – When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the sauce from drying out.