Easy Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.

• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

• The creamy Parmesan sauce is rich, comforting, and full of flavor.

• Fresh herbs add brightness and balance.

• Versatile: you can switch up the pasta shape or even the protein.

• Family-friendly and guaranteed to please picky eaters.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

Ingredients

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

• olive oil

• penne pasta

• chicken broth

• salt

• black pepper

• heavy cream

• grated Parmesan cheese

• fresh parsley, chopped

• fresh chives, chopped

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• garlic, minced

• extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Add garlic to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer.

5. Stir in penne pasta, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes (or per package instructions), stirring occasionally, until al dente.

6. Remove lid, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until the sauce is thick and creamy.

7. Return chicken to the skillet and stir in parsley and chives.

8. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Add extra broth or cream if sauce is too thick.

9. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 18 minutes

• Total time: 28 minutes

Variations

• Use different pasta shapes such as rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle.

• Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers.

• Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or rotisserie chicken.

• Replace fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning if needed.

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

• Mix mozzarella with Parmesan for an extra cheesy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream. Alternatively, microwave with a small amount of liquid to keep the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add it in step 7 when combining with the sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free pasta, but note that cooking times may vary.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered for 1–2 extra minutes while stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Heavy cream gives the best results.

Can I substitute milk for the cream?

Milk is not recommended as it won’t provide the richness or stability needed for the sauce.

What other proteins can I use?

Shrimp, sausage, or leftover rotisserie chicken work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, then finish the sauce just before serving.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while cooking in broth and ensure there’s enough liquid.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added cream or broth.

What herbs can I use if I don’t have parsley and chives?

Basil, thyme, or oregano make good alternatives.

Conclusion

Easy Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is a quick, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and elegant. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh herbs, it’s a versatile dish you can make your own with endless variations. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.

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