Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

A rich and satisfying pasta dish, Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne brings together tender chicken breast, a velvety Parmesan cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Comforting creamy texture with bold Parmesan flavor
• Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends
• Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices
• Family-friendly and great for leftovers

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Penne pasta
• Chicken breasts, cubed
• Olive oil
• Onion, finely diced
• Garlic, minced
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red chili flakes (optional)
• Baby spinach (optional)

directions

this recipe

1. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, cook diced onion until translucent. Add garlic and chili flakes, and cook for another minute.
4. Sprinkle in flour, stir well, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Return chicken to the pan, add spinach if using, and mix well.
7. Toss in cooked penne and combine thoroughly.
8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu
• Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a GF version
• Substitute milk or light cream for a lighter sauce
• Try whole wheat or chickpea penne for added nutrition

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, simply shred and add it during the final step to warm through.

2. What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?

Add the cream on low heat and stir constantly as the cheese melts.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

4. Is there a non-dairy version?

Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives.

5. Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s not recommended as cream sauces may separate after thawing.

6. What other pasta can I use?

Try rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle for a twist.

7. How do I make it spicier?

Increase chili flakes or add hot sauce to taste.

8. Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions adds depth.

9. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Let it simmer longer or add a bit more flour before the cream.

10. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely—just portion it out and store for easy lunches or dinners.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, this pasta dish satisfies every time. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make it your own with add-ins and substitutions, it’s bound to become a household favorite.

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