Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Recipe: A Comfort Classic

Have you ever dreamed about a creamy parmesan chicken with penne that melts in your mouth?

Comfort arrives in a delicious pasta dish packed with rich, velvety sauce.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among golden penne noodles, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Parmesan cheese adds a delightful sharpness that makes every bite irresistible.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe answers that culinary call.

Simple ingredients combine with minimal effort to produce an impressive meal.

Lean in and savor the promise of a restaurant-quality experience right from your own kitchen.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni. Choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat gently and combine just before serving to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less Parmesan. You can also grill the chicken instead of pan-frying to reduce oil content.

• What protein alternatives work in this recipe?

Swap chicken with turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

Penne Pasta Tossed in Creamy Parmesan Chicken Sauce

• Instant Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe wins hearts with its rich, creamy texture and irresistible Parmesan flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Foolproof Cooking: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, the straightforward steps ensure success even for beginner chefs with minimal kitchen experience.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious, satisfying dinner solutions without complex preparation.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings, this dish provides a comforting and flexible meal option for various tastes.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne Ingredients

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy sauce.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein centerpiece of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich and salty cheese that creates creamy texture.

• Heavy Cream: Smooth base for creating luxurious sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for chicken and sauce.
• Garlic: Adds sharp and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that provides classic Mediterranean taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish with fresh herbal notes.

• Olive Oil: Enables perfect chicken browning and adds subtle flavor.

Cooking Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Made Easy

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle salt generously. Wait for the water to reach a rolling boil. Drop penne into the bubbling water and cook until the pasta reaches a tender yet firm texture. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until a beautiful golden brown develops and the chicken is fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest briefly before slicing.

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Parmesan Sauce

• Minced garlic

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce transforms into a silky, creamy texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked penne directly into the creamy sauce. Gently toss until every pasta piece is lavishly coated with the rich Parmesan sauce.

Step 5: Create Final Presentation

Arrange sliced chicken atop the saucy pasta. Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Parmesan Chicken Tips with Creamy Penne Perfection

• Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality penne with ridges to help sauce cling better, creating more flavorful bites.
• Chicken Cooking Hack: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Sauce Smoothing Technique: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for richer, smoother sauce compared to pre-shredded alternatives.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace penne with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version.
• Flavor Boosting Trick: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce for deeper, more complex taste profile.

Save Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled chicken and pasta to freezer-safe containers. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Separate sauce and pasta to prevent texture breakdown.
• Place portions on microwave-safe plate. Add splash of cream or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation.
• Warm gently in skillet over low heat. Add extra cream or broth to revive sauce consistency. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Takes about 5-7 minutes for best results.

Parmesan Chicken Penne Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy parmesan sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra parmesan sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic notes to the meal.
• Recommend Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refresh your palate with a chilled sparkling water and fresh lemon slice, helping to cleanse the taste buds between bites of the rich, creamy chicken pasta.

Pecan Pie Ball Dessert Combos

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace penne with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce.
• Low-Carb Variation: Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled tofu slices, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken With Penne Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent parmesan chicken with penne delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Rich cheese-coated chicken nestled alongside perfectly al dente pasta promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with pure culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then carefully introduce penne pasta, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Season chicken breasts with a delicate blend of salt and freshly ground pepper, ensuring both surfaces are evenly coated.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, allowing the pan to heat uniformly.
4. Gently lay seasoned chicken breasts into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust. Cook approximately 6-7 minutes per side until the meat is completely cooked through.
5. Transfer chicken to a resting surface, allowing juices to redistribute before slicing into elegant medallions.
6. Utilize the same skillet and reduce heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until fragrant and lightly translucent.
7. Pour heavy cream into the pan, creating a smooth base and bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
8. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the cheese dissolves completely and the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
9. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Introduce the previously cooked penne into the creamy sauce, tossing meticulously to ensure each pasta piece is lavishly coated.
11. Arrange sliced chicken atop the sauced pasta, creating an appetizing presentation.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even heating and prevent tough meat.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when searing.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most authentic and rich flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce cooking time slightly to prevent sauce from becoming too thin.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg