When you’re craving creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s quick and easy, Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne hits all the right notes. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce come together in this one-pan dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.

This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a cozy, satisfying meal that’s loved by both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne

Rich, creamy Parmesan sauce without being heavy

Tender chicken and al dente penne for perfect texture
Family-friendly and easy to serve
Quick prep and cooking—ready in under 30 minutes

Customizable with vegetables, herbs, or spices
Meal prep friendly and reheats beautifully

It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and elegance.

Ingredients Overview

Protein

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Pasta

Penne (regular or whole wheat)

Creamy Sauce

Heavy cream or half-and-half

Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Butter or olive oil
Garlic

Flavorings & Seasonings

Salt and black pepper
Italian seasoning or fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, basil)
Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Optional Add-Ins

Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes
Mushrooms for extra umami
Lemon zest for brightness

Choosing the Best Chicken

Chicken Breasts

Mild flavor and quick cooking
Shreds easily when sliced

Chicken Thighs

Juicier and more flavorful

Adds richness to the dish

Tip: Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil penne in salted water until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove chicken and let rest, then slice thinly.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter (or use oil) over medium heat.

Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Chicken

Add cooked penne to the sauce, tossing to coat.
Add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Fold in sliced chicken and optional vegetables like spinach or peas.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Serve immediately for maximum creaminess.

Texture & Flavor Profile

Creamy, cheesy sauce coats each penne piece
Tender chicken provides heartiness
Al dente pasta adds satisfying bite

Garlic and Parmesan give savory depth
Optional veggies add color, texture, and nutrients

This dish is rich and comforting without being overwhelming.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne

Use fresh Parmesan—pre-grated cheese can prevent smooth melting.
Reserve pasta water—it helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
Don’t overcook the chicken—slice thinly for tenderness.

Add vegetables last—to preserve color and texture.
Simmer gently—avoid boiling cream to prevent separation.

Delicious Variations

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Lemon Parmesan Chicken Penne

Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest or juice for brightness.

Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato

Fold in fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for color and tang.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

Keto-Friendly

Replace penne with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.

What to Serve with Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne

Garlic bread or warm baguette slices
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini
Light soup as a starter

This dish is filling enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with fresh sides.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead

Chicken and pasta can be cooked ahead; store separately from sauce to prevent sogginess.
Sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated.

Storage

Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to refresh texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using pre-grated Parmesan—it can result in grainy sauce
Overcooking chicken—keep it juicy

Boiling cream—leads to separation
Adding pasta too early—wait until sauce is ready to coat

Following these tips ensures smooth, creamy, perfectly balanced pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—use coconut cream or cashew cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but thaw first for even cooking.

Q: Can I make this for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Store sauce separately from pasta and chicken until ready to eat.

Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Yes—creamy, cheesy, and comforting for all ages.

Why This Recipe Works

Freshly grated Parmesan creates a smooth, rich sauce
Chicken adds protein and heartiness

Al dente penne holds the sauce perfectly
Simple, high-quality ingredients deliver big flavor
Creamy yet not overpowering, making it a family favorite

It’s comfort food elevated with simplicity and flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Weeknight family dinners
Casual dinner parties

Meal prep for busy weeks
Cozy winter comfort meals
Date-night dinners at home

This dish is versatile, approachable, and always satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and satisfying, yet surprisingly easy to make. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a recipe that becomes a go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.

If you want a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that’s full of flavor but simple to prepare, this recipe is a must-have in your kitchen.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne (Rich, Comforting & Family-Friendly)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Cook pasta: Boil penne until just under al dente (1 minute less than package). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set aside.

Sear chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Cook chicken 5–6 min until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make sauce: In same skillet, add garlic; cook 30 sec. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2–3 min to reduce slightly.
Finish sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes or cream cheese. Cook 2–3 min until smooth and slightly thickened.

Combine: Add cooked pasta and chicken to sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
Garnish with fresh herbs, extra Parmesan, and lemon zest.

💡 Pro Tips:
– Use Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor and meltability.
– Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggie boost!
– For a lighter version, swap half the cream with whole milk.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):