If you’re looking for a simple, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish, this Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is exactly what you need! It’s rich, garlicky, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne, all tossed in a smooth, cheesy sauce.
The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something quick, comforting, and satisfying.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-pan meal – Less mess, more flavor!
✅ Super creamy & cheesy – A dreamy, velvety sauce.
✅ 30-minute dinner – Perfect for busy nights.
✅ Customizable – Add veggies, switch up the protein, or make it spicy!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese 🧀
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente, according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
4️⃣ Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate creamy chicken pasta!
🔥 Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Penne
✔ Use fresh Parmesan – It melts better and gives the best flavor.
✔ Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of milk or more heavy cream.
✔ Make it spicy! Add extra red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
✔ Add veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes work great.
🍽️ What to Serve with It
🥖 Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.
🥗 Side salad – A fresh, crisp contrast.
🍷 Glass of white wine – Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
🥶 Storage & Reheating
📦 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauces don’t freeze well).
🔥 Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth and warm on the stovetop over low heat.
❓ FAQ
1. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Rigatoni, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta work great too.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Use half & half or a mix of milk + a little extra butter.
3. Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side and add it to the pasta at the end.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Penne is the perfect easy, satisfying dinner that’s packed with flavor and creamy goodness.
Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep, this pasta never disappoints!
🔥 Try it out and let me know how it turns out! 🍝💛
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: 2️⃣ Cook the Chicken: 3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce: 4️⃣ Combine Everything: 5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Pasta & Sauce:
For Garnish:
Instructions