Tonight’s dinner just got so much easier and more delicious. This creamy parmesan chicken pasta is the kind of comfort food that makes everyone at the table happy. Rich, creamy sauce coating tender pasta with perfectly seasoned chicken – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl that takes less than 30 minutes to make!
This Pasta Will Become Your Go-To Recipe, Why ?
This easy chicken penne pasta proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy techniques to create something absolutely wonderful. With just one pan for the chicken and sauce, minimal cleanup, and ingredients you probably already have, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the stress.
Great for families, date nights, or when you just want to treat yourself to something really good!
Shopping List – Simple Ingredients, Amazing Results
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 12 oz penne pasta (any short pasta works great!)
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Finishing Touches:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional but lovely!)
Let’s Cook This Together – Step by Step
Step 1: Start Your Pasta Water (2 minutes)
- Fill a big pot with water and add a good pinch of salt
- Put it on high heat and let it come to a rolling boil
- This takes about 10 minutes, so start it first while you prep everything else
- Pro tip: Salted water makes your pasta taste better from the inside out!
Step 2: Get Your Chicken Ready (5 minutes)
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels
- Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Don’t be shy – season generously for the best flavor
- Let them sit while your water heats up
Step 3: Cook the Pasta (8-10 minutes)
- Add penne to boiling water and stir once
- Cook according to package directions until it’s just tender (al dente)
- Before you drain: Take a measuring cup and scoop out 1 cup of that starchy pasta water – you’ll need it later!
- Drain pasta and set aside
Step 4: Cook the Perfect Chicken (12 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- When oil shimmers, add your seasoned chicken
- Cook 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving it – let it get golden brown
- Flip and cook another 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through
- Check with a thermometer – it should read 165°F in the thickest part
- Remove chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips
Step 5: Make That Amazing Cream Sauce (5 minutes)
- In the same skillet (don’t clean it – those brown bits add flavor!)
- Turn heat down to medium and add a little more oil if needed
- Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing
- Slowly pour in the cream while stirring – this prevents lumps
- Let it bubble gently – don’t let it boil hard or it might break
Step 6: Add the Cheese Magic (3 minutes)
- Add Parmesan cheese bit by bit, stirring constantly
- Keep stirring until smooth – this prevents clumping
- Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens up nicely
- If it gets too thick, add some of that pasta water you saved, a little at a time
Step 7: Bring It All Together (2 minutes)
- Add the drained pasta to your creamy sauce
- Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated
- Add the sliced chicken back in along with the fresh herbs
- Gently mix until everything is combined and looks beautiful
- Add more pasta water if you want it a bit saucier
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
- Divide into warm bowls (warm bowls keep pasta hot longer!)
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top
- Add a final sprinkle of fresh herbs
- Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy
Success Tips That Make All the Difference
For Perfect Pasta: Don’t overcook it – it should have a tiny bit of bite since it finishes cooking in the sauce
Chicken Secrets: Let it rest after cooking so the juices redistribute – this keeps it super tender
Sauce Smooth: Add cheese slowly and keep stirring – patience here makes all the difference
Pasta Water Magic: That starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta perfectly
Reheating Leftovers: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back the creaminess
Easy Ways to Make It Your Own
Add Some Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
Different Herbs: Try thyme, oregano, or rosemary instead of basil
Extra Protein: Add cooked bacon, shrimp, or Italian sausage
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (it’s still delicious!)
Recipe Summary
- Total Time: About 25 minutes
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Serves: 4 generous portions
- Difficulty: Easy – perfect for beginners!
- One Pan: Almost! Just the pasta pot and one skillet
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This creamy parmesan chicken penne is designed for real life and real kitchens. The steps are simple, the ingredients are everyday items, and the results are consistently delicious. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters (everyone loves creamy pasta!), trying to impress someone special, or just want comfort food after a long day, this recipe delivers every single time.
The best part? It tastes like you spent hours cooking when you really only spent 25 minutes. That’s the kind of recipe magic we all need in our lives!
Welcome back to easy dinners that make everyone happy, friends – let’s make tonight delicious!
