Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne: Easy Weeknight Pasta

Here’s an easy and delicious Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s rich, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes.

🍝 Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips or cubes)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 3/4 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook Chicken:

   • While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

   • Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Make Creamy Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.

   • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

   • Add Parmesan cheese, dried herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.

   • Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Everything:

   • Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.

   • Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavor.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

   • Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

📝 Tips:

• You can substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a variation.

• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and color.

• Use rotisserie chicken to make it even quicker.