Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne Pasta

You know those meals that just wrap you up in a warm hug and make your kitchen smell like pure magic? This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne Pasta is exactly that for me. I still remember the first time I whipped up something like this on a rainy Saturday afternoon—my entire apartment filled with the rich, cheesy aroma of Parmesan melting into a silky sauce. The tender chicken swimming in that luscious creaminess, hugging each penne piece perfectly—it’s like comfort food with a little extra love stirred in. Whether you’re craving something easy yet impressive or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this recipe has got you covered.

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

12 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water—this little trick helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta later.

Step 2:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, then add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn or it’ll turn bitter!

Step 4:

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5:

Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce turns silky smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a touch of the reserved pasta water to lighten it up.

Step 6:

Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so every piece is coated in that creamy Parmesan goodness. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Variations & Tips

Swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli – their ridges hold the sauce beautifully.
For extra veggies, toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce; just simmer a bit longer for thickness.
If you like a little kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Grate your own Parmesan for the best melt and flavor; pre-grated can sometimes be grainy.
To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.

How I Like to Serve It

This dish is a perfect cozy weeknight dinner, especially paired with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread. It’s rich but not overwhelming, making it a great choice for casual family dinners or when friends stop by unexpectedly. When the weather’s cooler, I love serving it with a glass of chilled white wine to balance all that creamy decadence.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if it thickens too much.
If fresh Parmesan isn’t on hand, Pecorino Romano adds a nice salty sharpness as a substitute.

Closing: This creamy Parmesan chicken penne always brings comfort and smiles—because good food really is all about that perfect, cozy feeling in every bite.