Transform your kitchen into an Italian restaurant with this luxurious Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety parmesan sauce that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners, date nights, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this dish lies in its perfectly balanced components: succulent pan-seared chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a creamy sauce that clings to every bite. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and high-quality parmesan creates layers of flavor that make this dish truly memorable.

Essential Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• Salt for pasta water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Additional grated Parmesan
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Required Equipment

• Large pasta pot
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season chicken breasts:

• Pat dry with paper towels
• Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Let rest for 10 minutes

1. Cook chicken:

• Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
• Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden
• Internal temperature should reach 165°F
• Remove and let rest 5 minutes
• Slice diagonally

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring large pot of water to boil:

• Add generous amount of salt
• Cook penne according to package directions
• Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
• Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking

Making the Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for chicken:

• Melt butter over medium heat
• Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (1 minute)
• Add flour, whisk for 1-2 minutes

1. Create the sauce:

• Gradually whisk in milk and cream
• Add white wine if using
• Bring to gentle simmer
• Cook until thickened (3-5 minutes)

1. Add cheese and seasonings:

• Stir in Parmesan gradually
• Add dried herbs and red pepper flakes
• Season with salt and pepper
• Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed

Final Assembly

1. Combine components:

• Add cooked pasta to sauce
• Toss until well coated
• Add sliced chicken
• Gently stir to combine
• Heat through

1. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil
• Add extra Parmesan
• Sprinkle with black pepper
• Add red pepper flakes if desired

Pro Tips for Success

1. For Perfect Chicken:

• Use even-sized chicken breasts
• Don’t move chicken while searing
• Let rest before slicing
• Cut against the grain

1. For the Best Sauce:

• Use freshly grated Parmesan
• Room temperature dairy ingredients
• Whisk constantly while thickening
• Don’t let sauce boil

1. For Ideal Pasta:

• Salt pasta water generously
• Cook until just al dente
• Reserve pasta water
• Don’t rinse after cooking

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Cook chicken up to 2 days ahead
• Make sauce several hours in advance
• Cook pasta just before serving
• Reheat sauce gently, thin if needed

Storage Guidelines:

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
• Store sauce separately from pasta
• Reheat gently with splash of milk
• Do not freeze assembled dish

Variations and Adaptations

Lighter Version:

• Use half-and-half instead of cream
• Reduce Parmesan amount
• Add more vegetables
• Use whole wheat pasta

Vegetable Additions:

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Wilted spinach
• Roasted red peppers

Protein Options:

• Grilled shrimp
• Italian sausage
• Turkey cutlets
• Crispy pancetta

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Sautéed green beans

Wine Pairings:

• Chardonnay
• Pinot Grigio
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Light Italian red

Troubleshooting Tips

Sauce Too Thick:

• Add reserved pasta water
• Thin with warm milk
• Lower heat while simmering
• Whisk continuously

Sauce Too Thin:

• Simmer longer
• Add more Parmesan
• Make additional roux
• Reduce liquid ingredients

Preventing Curdling:

• Use room temperature ingredients
• Add dairy gradually
• Keep heat moderate
• Whisk constantly

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich, creamy sauce creates a memorable meal that’s both impressive and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.