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Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

Rich, silky sauce wrapped around tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne makes this creamy chicken penne pasta a reliable go-to for busy evenings. You get comfort, flavor, and a satisfying meal without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Chicken
  • 250g penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
For Finishing
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Extra Parmesan for garnish

Method
 

  1. Boil salted water and cook penne until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining so you can adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Sear chicken pieces in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, ensuring they develop flavor and stay juicy.
  3. Cook onion in butter until soft, then add garlic briefly to build a flavorful base without burning it.
  4. Pour in broth and cream, then simmer gently while stirring to create a smooth and rich sauce.
  5. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted, then return chicken and combine everything evenly.
  6. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water, and cook briefly to bring it all together.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged to achieve a smoother and more flavorful sauce.
  • Always cook pasta just to al dente so it doesn’t become overly soft when mixed with the sauce.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently rather than boil, as high heat can cause separation.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure balanced flavor throughout the dish.