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