Chicken Penne Recipe 2025
1. Introduction
Chicken Penne is more than just a quick weeknight dinner—it’s a creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using easy-to-find ingredients and minimal effort.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything from expert cooking tips to creative variations that will help you make the best Chicken Penne recipe on the internet—fully optimized for flavor, ease, and Google ranking.
2. Why You’ll Love This Chicken Penne
- ✅ One-Pot Friendly – Fewer dishes, less hassle.
- ✅ Customizable – Easily adaptable with veggies, spices, or proteins.
- ✅ Family-Approved – Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy flavor.
- ✅ Meal Prep Gold – Perfect for leftovers or batch cooking.
- ✅ Fast & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes but tastes like you cooked all day.
This recipe is designed for both beginners and seasoned cooks. With built-in flexibility, it’s perfect whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or planning ahead for weekly meal prep.
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make classic creamy Chicken Penne:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
4. Ingredient Substitutions and Add-ins
To make this dish even more versatile, consider these pro-level swaps and additions:
Substitutions:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat
- Gluten-free penne if you’re avoiding gluten
- Greek yogurt or cream cheese in place of some heavy cream for a tangy richness
- Vegetable broth for a vegetarian base (when omitting chicken)
Add-ins:
- Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
- Bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist
- Broccoli or asparagus for a pop of green and nutrition
- Mozzarella for extra gooeyness
5. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Sprinkle in flour and whisk to make a roux. Slowly add heavy cream and chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
Bring to a simmer and let the sauce thicken for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Seasoning
Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Continue stirring until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
Let it simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
6. Chef’s Tips for Perfect Results
- Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly underdone is better since it finishes cooking in the sauce.
- Deglaze the pan after cooking chicken to capture all the browned bits—that’s flavor gold!
- Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Use a wide skillet or sauté pan for easier mixing and more even heat distribution.
7. Variations: Make It Your Way
Here are top-tested variations to customize your Chicken Penne to perfection:
🍅 Tomato Basil Chicken Penne
Add 1 cup marinara or crushed tomatoes and fresh basil for a more robust, tomato-based sauce.
🌶 Cajun Chicken Penne
Replace Italian seasoning with 1 tbsp Cajun spice blend. Add diced bell peppers for Louisiana flair.
🥦 Chicken Penne Alfredo Primavera
Toss in steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini. Use half Alfredo, half broth for a lighter feel.
🧀 Baked Chicken Penne
Transfer finished pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. What to Serve with Chicken Penne
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Caesar salad or arugula lemon salad
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon
Pairing your dish properly adds restaurant-level finesse without extra effort.
9. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To Store:
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time for even heating.
Pro Tip: Do not freeze cream-based sauces—they tend to separate. If freezing is necessary, leave out the cream and add fresh when reheating
10. Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
This dish is high in protein and satisfying, making it a perfect comfort meal that doesn’t leave you hungry.
11. FAQs About Chicken Penne
Can I make Chicken Penne ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Keep the sauce and pasta separate for best texture.
What’s the best cheese to use besides Parmesan?
Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, or Asiago all melt well and add depth.
How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half, reduced-fat cheese, and increase the veggies to cut down on fat and calories.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great time-saving option—just shred and stir it into the sauce.
12. Final Thoughts
This Chicken Penne recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a canvas for flavor. Creamy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping your week. With bold seasoning, simple techniques, and a luxurious sauce, this dish stands out far beyond your average pasta recipe
