What Is Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne?
Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is a hearty pasta dish that brings together juicy, pan-seared chicken, a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked penne. Infused with Italian herbs and finished with fresh parsley and basil, this dish is cozy, comforting, and always satisfying.
It’s the kind of one-pan meal that feels fancy but takes minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinner parties. Each forkful is loaded with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold herb flavor that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30-minute meal: Quick, easy, and ready in one pan
- Rich, creamy sauce: Made with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike
- Perfect for leftovers: Reheats beautifully with a splash of cream
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss, this is your go-to recipe.
When to Serve Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne
This versatile dish is ideal for:
- Busy weeknight dinners
- At-home date nights
- Sunday family meals
- Potlucks or gatherings
- Meal prepping for the week
It’s elegant enough to serve guests and easy enough to throw together after work.
Preparation Phase
Get the best results with a little prep. Here’s how to streamline your workflow:
Mise en Place
- Mince the garlic
- Grate the Parmesan
- Chop fresh herbs
- Slice chicken (or leave whole to slice post-sear)
- Bring pasta water to a boil while prepping other elements
Marinate (Optional)
- Season chicken with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Let it sit while water boils and garlic is minced
Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and more evenly than pre-shredded.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan – For searing chicken and building the sauce
- Saucepan or stockpot – For boiling pasta
- Garlic press (optional) – Quick garlic prep
- Cutting board & sharp knife – For herbs and chicken
- Whisk or wooden spoon – For stirring the sauce
- Microplane or box grater – For finely grating cheese
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Needed for browning chicken evenly and building the sauce without burning
- Whisk: Prevents clumping in the sauce and ensures a silky finish
- Grater: A fine grate helps Parmesan melt quickly and evenly into cream
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Penne
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil
- Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water
- Drain and set pasta aside
2. Sear the Chicken
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Add to the skillet and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp)
- Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly
3. Make the Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium
- Add a bit more oil or butter if needed
- Sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine
- Bring to a gentle simmer—do not boil
4. Melt the Parmesan
- Stir in Parmesan cheese a little at a time
- Whisk constantly to prevent clumps
- Simmer until thickened, 3–4 minutes
Tip: If sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add drained penne to the sauce
- Stir until fully coated and creamy
- Add sliced chicken, fresh parsley, and basil
- Toss to combine, adding more pasta water if needed
6. Serve
- Plate in warm bowls
- Top with extra herbs and freshly grated Parmesan
- Optional: drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little heat
Variations
- Add sautéed spinach or kale before stirring in pasta
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra depth
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta is comforting and elegant ideal for both casual family dinners and intimate dinner parties. Serve it hot and fresh for the best experience.
How to Serve
- Garnish generously with chopped parsley or basil
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan just before serving
- Drizzle with olive oil for a glossy finish
- Add a few turns of cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes
- Plate in shallow pasta bowls for that restaurant-style look
Wine Pairing
Pair your creamy Parmesan herb chicken penne with wines that balance the rich, cheesy sauce:
- Chardonnay – lightly oaked to complement the creaminess
- Pinot Grigio – crisp and citrusy for contrast
- Sauvignon Blanc – herbaceous and fresh, mirrors the herbs in the dish
- Rosé – for a balanced pairing that’s great in warmer weather
8 Perfect Side Dishes
These side dishes complement the creamy, cheesy, herb-infused flavor of the penne without overpowering it.
1. Garlic Bread
- Buttery, crisp, and perfect for sopping up sauce
- Try with roasted garlic and Parmesan butter spread
2. Caesar Salad
- Crisp romaine with creamy dressing, Parmesan, and croutons
- The acidity balances out the rich pasta
3. Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus
- Simple olive oil + salt + high-heat roasting = crisp, caramelized edges
- A nice contrast in both texture and flavor
4. Caprese Salad
- Tomato, mozzarella, and basil with balsamic glaze
- Adds lightness and freshness to the meal
5. Bruschetta
- Toasted baguette with tomatoes, garlic, and basil
- Easy appetizer or side that pairs beautifully with creamy pasta
6. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted and glazed with balsamic for a slightly sweet, earthy flavor
- A great pairing for rich Parmesan-based sauces
7. Antipasto Skewers
- Olives, salami, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes
- A fun, shareable side dish that brings extra flavor and color to the table
8. Italian Wedding Soup
- A light, broth-based soup with meatballs and greens
- Perfect as a starter before the main course
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your creamy Parmesan herb chicken penne comes out flawless, here are the top pitfalls to avoid—and how to fix them.
1. Overcooking the Chicken
- Dry chicken ruins the texture of the dish
- Use a meat thermometer and remove once internal temp hits 165°F
2. Adding Cheese Too Fast
- Dumping all the Parmesan at once causes clumping
- Add gradually, whisking well between additions
3. Boiling the Cream
- Boiling causes cream to split and break
- Keep heat at a gentle simmer while making the sauce
4. Skipping Pasta Water
- Pasta water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce thickness
- Its starch content helps the sauce cling to penne
5. Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
- Pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents
- These prevent smooth melting—use freshly grated cheese
6. Forgetting to Season Pasta Water
- Unseasoned pasta water leads to bland pasta
- Salt water until it tastes like the sea
7. Overcooking the Pasta
- Mushy pasta won’t hold the sauce well
- Cook until just al dente, especially if tossing into hot sauce
8. Adding Herbs Too Early
- Fresh herbs lose their flavor and color when overcooked
- Add them at the end of cooking or just before serving for best results
Recipe Tips for Success
These simple tips will help you elevate this creamy pasta dish to restaurant quality.
Butterfly the Chicken
- Splitting thick chicken breasts helps them cook faster and more evenly
- Results in a better sear and juicier texture
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
- Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and may make the sauce gritty
- Grate cheese finely using a microplane for best texture
Reserve Pasta Water Before Draining
- Always save 1 cup to help thin and emulsify the sauce
- Add slowly while tossing pasta until you reach your desired consistency
Add Greens at the End
- Stir in baby spinach or arugula just before serving
- The residual heat wilts them without overcooking
Make It Spicy
- Add red pepper flakes to the garlic for a gentle heat
- A drizzle of chili oil before serving also works well
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
- Store pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Keep sauce and pasta together for best flavor retention
Freezing
- Not ideal due to the cream base—it may separate when thawed
- If necessary, freeze in individual portions for up to 1 month
- Wrap well and reheat gently with added cream
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk, stirring constantly
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl with a lid, heat in 30-second bursts with added liquid
- Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking
Tip: Stir often while reheating to ensure the cream and cheese stay emulsified
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. To thicken, add a teaspoon of flour or a bit of cream cheese.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free penne and double-check that your Parmesan and spices are certified gluten-free.
What herbs work well in this recipe?
Fresh parsley and basil are ideal. You can also use thyme, oregano, or a pinch of rosemary for more earthiness.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Skip the searing step and add shredded rotisserie chicken when combining the pasta and sauce.
What pasta shapes work besides penne?
Rigatoni, rotini, fettuccine, or farfalle all work well. Choose a shape that holds onto the creamy sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it may thicken as it sits. Store in the fridge and reheat slowly, adding milk or cream to loosen it.
Can I bake this dish with breadcrumbs?
Definitely. Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and more Parmesan, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is a satisfying and elegant pasta dish that combines tender chicken, velvety cream sauce, and fresh herbs into one unforgettable meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for guests.
With simple ingredients and flexible add-ins, you can customize this dish to suit any palate. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping leftovers for the week, this pasta delivers flavor, comfort, and consistency in every bite.
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