Imagine the perfect weeknight dinner: tender chicken, a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly al dente penne pasta all coming together in one heavenly dish. This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, this recipe hits the sweet spot of comfort and elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Quick and Simple: Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this dish is surprisingly easy to make.
2. One-Pan Wonder: The sauce and chicken come together in the same skillet, cutting down on cleanup.
3. Customizable: Add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a personal touch.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying—this is a dish everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black peppe
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, toss it with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set it aside.

Tip: Save a cup of pasta water before draining—it can help thin the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it; those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Next, stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth, ensuring a smooth consistency. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.

Once thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue mixing until the cheese has melted completely, and the sauce is velvety smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley and let the dish cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color.

Helpful Tips:

• Shortcut Option: Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself.
• Veggie Boost: Add fresh spinach leaves or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
• Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly less indulgent option.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.

Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sauté and simmer
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Nut-free

Notes

• Adjust the seasoning to your taste as you cook, especially after adding the cheese. Parmesan is naturally salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
• The sauce will thicken as it cools, so if reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! This sauce pairs well with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, warm up the sauce, and toss everything together.

Related Recipes:

If you loved this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne, check out these other delicious recipes:

• Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni Pasta
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
• Creamy Ranch Chicken

Conclusion:

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne is the kind of meal that turns any evening into a celebration. With its luscious sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for your family or a cozy date night, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you deserve a meal this delicious!

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