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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne: Easy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor

If you need a comforting dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is still easy enough for a busy weeknight, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is a recipe worth saving.

Tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a rich creamy sauce come together in one satisfying meal.

It is the kind of dinner that works for family meals, meal prep, casual entertaining, or those evenings when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

The sauce is creamy without being complicated, the chicken adds plenty of protein, and penne pasta holds onto every bit of the garlic Parmesan sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Penne

This recipe combines some of the most popular flavors in American home cooking.

You get:

  • Tender golden chicken
  • Creamy Parmesan sauce
  • Fresh garlic flavor
  • Perfectly cooked penne pasta
  • Simple grocery-store ingredients
  • Easy customization
  • Great leftovers
  • Family-friendly flavor

It is also flexible enough to work with vegetables, different pasta shapes, or alternative cheeses.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt for pasta water

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • Fresh spinach
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Broccoli
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Choosing the Best Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is an excellent option for this pasta because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the creamy garlic sauce.

If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets.

This helps them cook more evenly and gives you better browning.

Boneless chicken thighs can also be used if you prefer darker meat with a richer flavor.

Best Pasta for Creamy Chicken Sauce

Penne is ideal because its hollow shape catches the sauce inside while the ridged exterior holds even more Parmesan cream sauce.

Other pasta shapes can also work.

Try:

  • Rigatoni
  • Ziti
  • Rotini
  • Fusilli
  • Farfalle
  • Fettuccine

Short pasta shapes are especially convenient for family dinners and meal prep.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about one cup of pasta water.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Do not rinse it.

The starch on the pasta helps the creamy sauce cling better.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry.

Season both sides with:

  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Coating the chicken evenly helps build flavor before it even touches the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned chicken.

Cook until golden on the first side, then flip and continue cooking until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Use an instant-read meat thermometer for the most reliable result.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest.

Once rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Start the Garlic Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium.

Add butter.

Once melted, add the minced garlic.

Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

The garlic should become fragrant but should not turn dark brown.

Burned garlic can make the entire sauce bitter.

Step 5: Add Chicken Broth

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet.

Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape up the browned bits left behind from cooking the chicken.

Those flavorful bits help give the sauce more depth.

Allow the broth to simmer for a few minutes.

Step 6: Add the Heavy Cream

Pour in the heavy cream.

Add Italian seasoning and black pepper.

Stir until combined.

Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently.

Avoid a rapid boil because cream sauces generally stay smoother when cooked over moderate heat.

Step 7: Add Parmesan

Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir continuously as it melts.

The sauce should become smooth, creamy, and slightly thick.

If it becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

If it seems too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two.

Step 8: Add the Penne

Add the drained penne directly to the skillet.

Toss gently until every piece is coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

The pasta should look glossy and evenly covered.

Step 9: Add the Chicken

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet.

Fold it into the pasta.

Let everything cook together over low heat for another minute or two so the flavors combine.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Remove from the heat.

Top with:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes if desired

Serve hot.

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