Super Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This Super Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is one of my absolute favorite pasta dishes to make when I want something rich, indulgent, and full of flavor. With juicy chicken, tender penne, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together all the best parts of a creamy pasta—bold garlic flavor, loads of cheese, and perfectly cooked chicken. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for a special dinner. The sauce clings to every piece of penne, and every bite is packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Penne pasta

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• Olive oil or butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

• Italian seasoning

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. I cook the penne according to the package instructions, drain it, and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. I season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while they cook, then set them aside.

3. In the same skillet, I melt a little butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute.

4. I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

5. I add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken. If I want it extra creamy, I stir in a bit of cream cheese.

6. I return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes.

7. I add the cooked penne and toss everything together to coat the pasta.

8. I taste and adjust the seasoning, then garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. I’ve swapped the chicken for shrimp or kept it meatless and just loaded it with veggies. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the cream cheese.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much after chilling.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, I sometimes use fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini—whatever I have on hand. Penne works great because the sauce gets into every tube.

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

I melt the cheese slowly into the sauce and stir constantly. Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded helps it melt smoothly.

Is cream cheese necessary?

No, but I like adding a tablespoon or two for extra richness and a silky texture. It’s totally optional.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. I just cook the pasta fresh and combine everything before serving.

What can I serve with it?

I usually serve it with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Conclusion

Super Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is the kind of dish that turns any night into something special. It’s rich, flavorful, and full of satisfying textures—and it always earns a clean plate. Whether I’m cooking for the family or treating myself to a cozy dinner, this pasta never disappoints.