There are pasta dishes that are good, and then there is creamy cheesy chicken penne pasta—the kind of rich, velvety, satisfying meal that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs. It is a complete meal in one skillet, ready in about 30 minutes.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. While the pasta boils, you sear the chicken in the same pan you will use for the sauce, infusing everything with savory flavor. The cream sauce comes together in minutes, and the pasta finishes cooking right in the sauce, absorbing every bit of that cheesy goodness. It is faster than takeout and far more delicious.
This creamy cheesy chicken penne pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, for feeding a crowd, or for any time you crave a warm, comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home. It is also endlessly customizable—add broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Why You Will Love This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta
· Rich, creamy, and cheesy: The ultimate comfort food.
· One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
· Ready in 30 minutes: Faster than takeout.
· Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day.
· Customizable: Add vegetables or different cheeses.
· Kid-approved and adult-pleasing: Everyone loves this dish.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need for creamy cheesy chicken penne pasta:
For the Chicken:
· 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
· 12 ounces penne pasta
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
· 1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
· 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ¼ teaspoon black pepper
· ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
· 2 cups fresh spinach (add at the end)
· 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
· 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked penne pasta and seared chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Spinach (Optional)
If using spinach, add it now and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips and Pro Tips for Best Results
· Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
· Do not overcook the chicken: Chicken pieces cook quickly. Remove them from the pan as soon as they are golden and cooked through.
· Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps thin the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
· Use heavy cream for the richest sauce: Half-and-half will result in a thinner, less rich sauce.
· Add vegetables: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms are excellent additions.
· Make it spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Variations and Substitutions
· Creamy chicken penne with broccoli: Add 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets.
· Creamy chicken penne with mushrooms: Add 8 ounces of sliced sautéed cremini mushrooms.
· Creamy chicken penne with sun-dried tomatoes: Add ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
· Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be thinner.
· Gluten-free: Use gluten-free penne pasta.
· Dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy cheesy chicken penne pasta is delicious served:
· As a main course: With a side salad and crusty bread.
· For a weeknight dinner: Fast, easy, and satisfying.
· For meal prep: Portion into containers for easy lunches.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer Storage
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. For best results, freeze the sauce and pasta separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
· Skillet method (best): Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth.
· Microwave method: Heat individual portions for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (based on 4 servings, with heavy cream and Parmesan):
· Calories: 720
· Protein: 42g
· Fat: 38g
· Saturated Fat: 20g
· Carbohydrates: 58g
· Fiber: 3g
· Sugar: 5g
· Sodium: 880mg
· Vitamin A: 20% DV
· Vitamin C: 4% DV
· Calcium: 30% DV
· Iron: 15% DV
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are even more flavorful and stay juicier.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or shells all work beautifully.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Grainy sauce usually happens when the Parmesan is added too quickly or the heat is too high. Add gradually over low heat.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written. Use gluten-free penne to make it gluten-free.
Can I make this without cream?
Use whole milk and an extra 2 tablespoons of butter, but the sauce will be thinner.
How do I get a thicker sauce?
Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half, and add an extra ¼ cup of Parmesan.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Sear the chicken first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the sauce ingredients (use 1 cup broth). Cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Add cooked pasta at the end.
Final Thoughts
Creamy cheesy chicken penne pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner—rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The velvety Parmesan cream sauce coats every piece of tender chicken and pasta, creating a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Yet it comes together in a single skillet in about 30 minutes.
This recipe is a blank canvas. Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Make it spicy or keep it mild. Serve it with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
So sear that chicken, whisk together that creamy sauce, and toss it all with tender penne. In just 30 minutes, you will have a dish that tastes like love. That is the beauty of simple cooking—big flavor, minimal fuss, and a whole lot of deliciousness.