Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you want a quick pan-seared chicken idea, I often start with this Chicken Cutlets Recipe for a tender, speedy protein base that gets this meal on the table fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One pan for the sauce and a colander for the pasta, so cleanup stays simple.
- Comforting creamy sauce that feels indulgent, yet uses pantry staples.
- Family friendly, mild but easy to spice up for adults.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, so lunches are solved for a couple days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, about 1 cup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, about 2 teaspoons
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, packed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra to finish
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional for heat
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional to brighten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente, according to package directions, usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Next, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Meanwhile, reduce heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon butter to the skillet, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent, then add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Then sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, and add the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring until melted and glossy. Stir in the Italian seasoning, lemon juice if using, and red pepper flakes if you want heat. Taste, then adjust salt and pepper.
Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if you want a looser sauce. Finish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan at the table.
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
Ingredient swaps, if you need them, are easy. Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, or swap penne for rigatoni or rotini if that is what you have, since the sauce clings well to ridged pasta.
For spice level adjustments, add more red pepper flakes while cooking, or serve crushed red pepper at the table so picky eaters can choose. For a milder family version, skip the red pepper and add a squeeze of lemon at the end.
High protein options include adding 1 cup cooked white beans or swapping chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken, which also speeds up dinner. For a cheesy boost, stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella at the end.
Meal prep ideas, make the sauce ahead and store separately from cooked pasta, then reheat gently and toss together when ready. This keeps the pasta from soaking up too much sauce if you need to make it earlier.
Serving Suggestions + Internal Links
Serve this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne with a crisp green salad and warm bread for a hug on a plate. For easy bread, try this Homemade Sandwich Bread, which soaks up every last bit of sauce.
For a heartier dinner, pair with a side like Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder on very cold nights, or keep it light with lemony steamed vegetables. Either way, you will have a family friendly meal everyone will reach for again.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, stirring until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 45 second bursts, stirring between each burst.
Helpful FAQs
Can I make this gluten free? Yes, use gluten free pasta and substitute a gluten free flour or 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to thicken the sauce.
Can I use pre cooked chicken? Absolutely, leftover or rotisserie chicken works great. Add it at the end to just warm through so it stays tender.
How do I stop the sauce from being grainy? Use freshly grated Parmesan and melt it in over low heat. High heat or pre grated cheese can make the sauce grainy.
Is this suitable for kids? Yes, keep the red pepper flakes out and finish with a small squeeze of lemon for brightness, kids often prefer it that way.
Warm Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne has become a little family ritual in my house, a dependable weeknight meal that feels special. It is forgiving, fast, and loved by kids and grown ups alike. Try it tonight, and enjoy the cozy comfort of a homemade dinner that brings everyone together without stress.