This Chicken Penne is rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavor in every bite. Tender juicy chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a silky garlic Parmesan sauce come together in one comforting restaurant-style meal that’s easy enough for busy weeknights.
The ridges of penne pasta hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, while seasoned chicken adds hearty protein and satisfying flavor. Whether you prefer a creamy Alfredo-style sauce, tomato-based version, or spicy garlic twist, chicken penne is endlessly versatile and always delicious.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy comfort food cravings, this easy pasta recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make the best chicken penne, including sauce variations, cooking tips, ingredient swaps, and expert tricks for perfectly creamy pasta every time.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Penne
There are so many reasons this recipe is a favorite:
- Creamy comforting pasta
- Tender juicy chicken
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Family-friendly meal
- Restaurant-style flavor at home
- Quick and satisfying recipe
- Great for leftovers
- Customizable sauces and vegetables
- Perfect one-pan option
It’s creamy, savory, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
What Is Chicken Penne?
Chicken penne is a pasta dish made with:
- Penne pasta
- Chicken
- Sauce (cream, tomato, or garlic-based)
- Cheese and seasonings
The tube-shaped pasta is perfect for holding rich flavorful sauce.
Ingredients for Chicken Penne
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Red pepper flakes
How to Make Chicken Penne
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil penne pasta until al dente.
Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
Cook in olive oil until golden and fully cooked.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In same skillet, add:
- Butter
- Garlic
Cook briefly until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Simmer until creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return chicken to skillet.
Add cooked pasta and toss until coated.
Add pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Top with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Chicken Penne
Cook Pasta Al Dente
Prevents mushy texture.
Don’t Overcook Chicken
Keeps it juicy and tender.
Save Pasta Water
Helps create silky smooth sauce.
Use Fresh Parmesan
Fresh cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Season the Chicken Well
Adds deeper flavor to the entire dish.
What Does Chicken Penne Taste Like?
This pasta is:
- Creamy and savory
- Garlicky and cheesy
- Rich but balanced
- Hearty and comforting
- Perfectly satisfying
The penne absorbs sauce beautifully in every bite.
Variations to Try
Spicy Chicken Penne
Add chili flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Tomato Chicken Penne
Use marinara or crushed tomatoes.
Tuscan Chicken Penne
Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Chicken Broccoli Penne
Add steamed broccoli.
Low Carb Version
Use protein pasta or zucchini noodles.
Best Cheese for Chicken Penne
Parmesan
Classic savory flavor.
Mozzarella
Extra creamy texture.
Romano
Sharp salty flavor.
Asiago
Rich nutty taste.
What to Serve with Chicken Penne
This pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Bruschetta
- Soup
Perfect for comforting dinners.
Why This Recipe Is Great for Weeknights
It’s ideal because it:
- Cooks quickly
- Uses simple ingredients
- Feeds the whole family
- Makes excellent leftovers
- Feels restaurant-quality
How to Store Chicken Penne
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Add splash of cream or broth while reheating.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes. It’s a great shortcut.
What Pasta Works Best?
Penne is ideal because it holds sauce well.
Can I Make It Lighter?
Use milk instead of heavy cream.
How Do I Make It Cheesier?
Add mozzarella or extra Parmesan.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach and broccoli work especially well.
Expert Tips for Restaurant-Style Pasta
Finish Pasta in Sauce
Helps flavor absorb into pasta.
Use Medium Heat for Cream Sauce
Prevents sauce from separating.
Add Cheese Gradually
Creates smoother sauce texture.
Garnish Before Serving
Fresh parsley and Parmesan elevate presentation.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
Values vary depending on ingredients used.
Easy Chicken Penne Recipe Card
Ingredients
Pasta
- Penne pasta
- Chicken
- Olive oil
Sauce
- Garlic
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Cook seasoned chicken.
- Make garlic cream sauce.
- Toss pasta and chicken together.
- Serve warm with Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Penne is creamy, hearty, flavorful, and the ultimate comfort food pasta dinner. Tender chicken, rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked penne combine into a satisfying meal that feels cozy, indulgent, and restaurant-worthy.
Easy enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough for special dinners, this pasta recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Once you try this chicken penne recipe, it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorite easy pasta dinners.
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Chicken Penne – Creamy, Flavorful & Perfect for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients
Pasta & protein:
- 8 oz penne or rigatoni (use GF pasta—you love gluten-free!)
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed (you love high-protein!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Creamy garlic-herb sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced (you love garlic!)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cups heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (you love low-sodium!)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes (you love spicy!)
Finish:
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach or arugula
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Undercook pasta slightly—it finishes absorbing sauce in the skillet.
✅ Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt smoothly.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use low-sodium broth + reduced-sodium cheese
→ Boost umami with extra garlic, herbs, and black pepper
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally low-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Net carbs: 28g/serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Swap pasta for cauliflower gnocchi or hearts of palm penne
→ Net carbs drop to 8g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Keeps 3 days refrigerated (sauce may thicken—add splash of broth when reheating)
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a weeknight dinner with garlic bread (or GF toast)
→ With a crisp Caesar or green salad
→ For meal prep—portion into containers
Calories: 580 | Protein: 38g | Net Carbs: 30g | Fats: 38g | Fiber: 3g | Gluten-Free Option • Low-Sodium Adaptable • Blood Sugar Friendly • Low-Carb/Keto Option