If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish with loads of flavor, look no further than Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne! This delicious pasta combines tender chicken, a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. The addition of fresh herbs like basil and thyme elevates the flavors, making this dish the perfect weeknight dinner or special meal for guests.
This dish is incredibly simple to make, yet it’s indulgent and satisfying. The creamy Parmesan sauce coats every bite of the penne, while the chicken adds protein and richness. If you love creamy pasta dishes with a little bit of herbaceous freshness, this one is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
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Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich Parmesan herb sauce. A comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to become creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve the creamy Parmesan herb chicken penne hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk in place of the heavy cream.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They cook quickly and are easy to slice into bite-sized pieces, providing plenty of protein to balance the creamy sauce.
Penne pasta
Penne pasta is ideal for this dish because it holds the creamy sauce well, giving each bite a rich, satisfying mouthful. You can use whole wheat penne for a healthier version or gluten-free penne if needed.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates the creamy base for the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s the perfect base for the Parmesan and herbs.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty, and savory flavor to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best results, but pre-grated cheese will also work in a pinch.
Garlic
Garlic is sautéed to infuse the sauce with a warm, aromatic flavor. It pairs perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce and the chicken.
Fresh herbs
Fresh basil and thyme (or dried if fresh isn’t available) bring brightness and depth to the dish. The herbs complement the creamy sauce and chicken wonderfully, adding a fresh, aromatic note.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to cook the chicken, adding richness to the dish while keeping the chicken moist.
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce, ensuring the dish is flavorful and well-balanced.
Directions
- Cook the pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Cook the chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. - Make the creamy sauce:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary and sauté the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let the cream cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. - Add the Parmesan and herbs:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, and thyme to the cream sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the pasta and chicken:
Add the cooked penne pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. - Serve:
Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the creamy Parmesan herb chicken penne immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, making the total time around 30 minutes for a quick, satisfying meal.
Equipment Needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Variations and Customizations
This Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is easy to customize to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
Add Vegetables
You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the garlic or stir them into the sauce.
Make it Spicy
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sauté a diced jalapeño with the garlic. This will give the dish an extra kick without overpowering the creamy flavors.
Use Different Meats
If you prefer a different protein, try grilled chicken thighs, shrimp, or even sausage. These options will add their own unique flavors to the dish.
Make it Vegetarian
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or peas. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for added protein.
Dairy-Free Version
To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese option.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 plate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 570 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
For the best flavor and meltability, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan can be convenient, but it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking it. Once browned and cooked through, remove it from the pan to avoid it becoming dry.
Let the Sauce Simmer Gently
When making the sauce, don’t let the cream come to a boil. Simmer it gently to avoid curdling or separating, resulting in a smooth, silky sauce.
Make it Ahead
You can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store both separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fettuccine, or fusilli. Choose your favorite pasta or whatever you have on hand.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them before cooking for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Be sure the cream and Parmesan cheese are also gluten-free, as some cheeses may contain traces of gluten.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is the ultimate comforting pasta dish—rich, creamy, and full of savory flavors. The combination of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fresh herbs makes it a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its ease of preparation and ability to be customized, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try for your next dinner, and enjoy a deliciously creamy, herb-infused pasta dish that everyone will love!
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