Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne Pasta is the kind of dinner that delivers everything you want from comfort food in one satisfying bowl. Tender pieces of seasoned chicken are seared until golden, tossed with perfectly cooked penne, and coated in a silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite.
The sauce is rich without being overly heavy, with plenty of fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, butter, and Italian seasoning. The chicken adds hearty protein, while the ridges and hollow centers of penne pasta capture the creamy sauce beautifully.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, date nights, or anytime you’re craving a restaurant-style pasta meal at home. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple green salad for an easy complete dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne Pasta
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. While the pasta cooks, you can sear the chicken and start preparing the sauce, making the entire meal manageable in around 30–40 minutes.
It also uses familiar ingredients that are easy to find. Chicken, penne, Parmesan, garlic, cream, and a few pantry seasonings create an impressive dish without requiring complicated techniques.
The recipe is also very flexible. You can add spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or bacon to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- Water, for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Additional Parmesan, for serving
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne Pasta
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Cut them into bite-sized pieces approximately 1 inch in size. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
2. Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta but do not rinse it. The starch left on the surface helps the creamy sauce cling to the noodles.
Set aside.
3. Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet. If your pan is small, cook the chicken in two batches.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving it too much.
Flip and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Cook the Garlic
Reduce the skillet heat to medium.
Add 2 tablespoons butter.
Once melted, add the minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly.
The garlic should smell fragrant but should not become deeply browned.
5. Build the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour into the garlic butter.
Whisk continuously for about 1 minute.
This cooks the flour and helps thicken the finished Parmesan sauce.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking.
Then gradually add the heavy cream and milk.
Continue whisking until smooth.
6. Season the Cream Sauce
Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, red pepper flakes if using, and black pepper.
Bring the sauce to a very gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
The sauce should begin thickening but should still remain slightly loose because the Parmesan and pasta will thicken it further.
7. Add the Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low.
Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan while stirring continuously.
Allow each addition to melt before adding more.
Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and glossy.
Taste and add salt if needed.
Parmesan is naturally salty, so wait until after adding the cheese before adjusting the seasoning.
8. Return the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken and any juices collected on the plate back into the skillet.
Stir gently until the chicken is coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Simmer for approximately 1 minute.
9. Add the Penne Pasta
Add the drained penne directly to the skillet.
Toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Start with 2–3 tablespoons and add more only if necessary.
Continue tossing over low heat for approximately 1–2 minutes.
The sauce should coat the pasta without becoming dry or clumpy.
10. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional freshly grated Parmesan.
Add a little freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne
Because this pasta is rich and filling, fresh or lightly cooked vegetables make excellent side dishes.
Try serving it with:
- Garlic bread
- Parmesan breadsticks
- Caesar salad
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Roasted asparagus
- Sautéed zucchini
- Brussels sprouts
Garlic bread is especially useful because it can soak up any extra Parmesan sauce left on the plate.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne Pasta
Use freshly grated Parmesan. Fresh Parmesan melts more smoothly and creates a better-textured sauce than many pre-shredded varieties.
Do not overcook the pasta. Penne should be al dente because it continues softening slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
Reserve pasta water. The starchy water is one of the easiest ways to loosen the sauce without making it watery.
Do not overcrowd the chicken. Giving the pieces room allows them to brown instead of steam.
Keep the heat low after adding Parmesan. High heat can make cheese sauces grainy or oily.
Do not rinse the pasta. Keeping the starch on the noodles helps the sauce stick.
Serve immediately. Cream sauces naturally thicken as they cool.
Easy Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Penne
Cook 8 ounces sliced mushrooms after removing the chicken from the skillet.
Let them brown for 5–6 minutes before adding the garlic.
Continue with the recipe normally.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne
Add 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach to the sauce before adding the pasta.
Cook until just wilted.
Broccoli Chicken Penne
Add approximately 2 cups steamed broccoli florets along with the cooked chicken.
This adds color and makes the pasta even more filling.
Cajun Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Replace the smoked paprika and Italian seasoning on the chicken with approximately 1–1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning.
Add additional red pepper flakes for more heat.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne
Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the garlic cream sauce.
Their concentrated flavor pairs especially well with Parmesan and chicken.
Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Cook 4–6 strips of bacon until crispy.
Crumble and sprinkle over the finished pasta just before serving.
Extra Cheesy Version
Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce along with the Parmesan.
Keep the heat low and stir until completely melted.
How to Keep the Parmesan Sauce Smooth
Temperature is particularly important when making creamy cheese sauces.
Once the cream mixture has thickened, reduce the heat before adding Parmesan.
Add the cheese gradually while stirring rather than dumping it all into the pan at once.
Freshly grated cheese also melts better because it does not contain the same anti-caking ingredients found in many packaged shredded cheeses.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little warm pasta water, milk, or cream.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
The sauce will thicken considerably once chilled.
To reheat on the stovetop, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth and stir gently until the sauce becomes creamy again.
For microwave reheating, add a tablespoon of milk and heat in short intervals, stirring between each one.
Avoid overheating because chicken can dry out and Parmesan sauces may separate under excessive heat.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can cut and season the chicken several hours ahead.
The Parmesan can also be grated and the garlic minced in advance.
For the best texture, however, cook the pasta and prepare the sauce shortly before serving.
If you need to prepare the entire meal ahead, keep the sauce slightly thinner than usual because it will thicken during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Rigatoni, rotini, farfalle, fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti can replace the penne.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and stay especially juicy.
Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook until they reach at least 165°F internally.
Why did my Parmesan sauce become grainy?
This usually happens when the heat is too high or the Parmesan is added too quickly. Lower the heat and stir the cheese in gradually.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, although the sauce will be slightly lighter and thinner.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, asparagus, or zucchini all work well.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne Pasta combines juicy golden chicken, tender pasta, fresh garlic, Parmesan, and a velvety cream sauce into one irresistible dinner. 🍗🍝🧄
It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet rich and impressive enough for guests or a cozy date-night meal. The penne holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, while the Parmesan and garlic give every bite plenty of savory flavor.