Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne: Easy Weeknight Pasta

There are some dinners that feel like an instant win the moment they hit the table, and this Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is one of them. It is rich, comforting, and full of familiar flavors that always seem to satisfy. Tender slices of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked penne, fresh herbs, garlic, cream, and Parmesan come together in a silky sauce that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight.

What I love most about this recipe is how it turns a handful of simple ingredients into something that tastes restaurant-worthy. The chicken gets beautifully golden in the skillet, the garlic cream sauce comes together quickly, and the Parmesan melts into every bite of pasta. It is cozy, creamy, and exactly the kind of meal that makes you want seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes that earns a regular spot in the dinner rotation because it is dependable and delicious. It is elegant enough to feel a little elevated, but not so complicated that it becomes a project. On a busy weeknight, that balance matters.

I also love how the fresh parsley and basil keep the dish from feeling too heavy. The herbs brighten the creamy sauce and add freshness that makes the whole bowl feel more balanced. The result is a pasta dinner that is comforting, but not one-note.

And then there is the sauce. Parmesan and cream are already a winning combination, but when you add garlic and a little reserved pasta water for that glossy finish, it becomes the kind of sauce that clings perfectly to penne and makes every bite extra satisfying.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, optional
• 1 cup reserved pasta water, for adjusting sauce consistency

Swaps and Notes

Penne is great for this recipe because the tubes catch plenty of sauce, but rigatoni or rotini would also work well. If you prefer a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half, though the texture will not be quite as rich as heavy cream.

Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference here. It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese. The fresh parsley is worth keeping, and basil adds an extra layer of brightness if you have it on hand.

Chicken breasts work beautifully, but boneless thighs can be used if you prefer a juicier cut. If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly before cooking so they cook more evenly.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set the pasta aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Season the chicken with sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked through to 165°F. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more oil or butter to the skillet if needed.
6. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant.
7. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, but do not boil.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese a little at a time, whisking constantly until melted and smooth. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
10. Add the cooked penne to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
11. Add the sliced chicken, chopped parsley, and basil if using. Toss everything together until well combined.
12. Serve in warm bowls with extra Parmesan and herbs on top if desired.

Tips for Success

Do not overcook the chicken. Pulling it from the skillet as soon as it reaches 165°F helps it stay juicy and tender. Letting it rest before slicing also helps keep those juices in the meat.

When making the sauce, keep the heat moderate. A gentle simmer is enough to thicken the cream without risking separation. Adding the Parmesan gradually while whisking helps keep the sauce smooth and velvety.

Reserved pasta water is one of the best tools in this recipe. Since it contains starch from the pasta, it helps loosen the sauce while keeping it glossy and cohesive instead of watery.

For the freshest finish, add the herbs right at the end. That keeps their flavor bright and keeps the pasta from tasting too heavy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This pasta is rich and satisfying, so I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables to balance the meal. Garlic bread is also a natural choice if you want to lean fully into comfort-food mode.

If you enjoy pasta dinners like this, Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is another great recipe to keep in your rotation. For another cozy, family-friendly favorite, This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast is a perfect follow-up meal.

If you are hosting or want to start dinner with something special, This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests makes a beautiful appetizer. And for dessert, This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd is a comforting finish.

For another chicken option to add to your favorites list, Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter is a fun and flavorful choice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Nutritional values can vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size, but here is an approximate estimate per serving:

• Calories: 640
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: Varies based on Parmesan and seasoning used

These values are estimates and may shift depending on the brands and amounts you use.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since cream sauces thicken as they chill, add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved broth when reheating to loosen the sauce back up.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally so the sauce warms evenly. The chicken and pasta both hold up well, making this a great lunch the next day.

Freezing is possible, but cream-based sauces can sometimes lose a bit of their smooth texture after thawing. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

More Recipes You Will Love

If creamy, comforting dinners are your thing, there are plenty of other recipes worth saving. Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is always a reliable pasta-night favorite when you want something timeless.

For another cozy meal with plenty of cheesy appeal, This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast belongs on your must-make list. And if you want a chicken recipe that is easy and crowd-pleasing, Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter is another delicious option.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Parmesan Herb Chicken Penne is exactly the kind of recipe that makes weeknight cooking feel rewarding. It is creamy, garlicky, packed with tender chicken, and brightened with fresh herbs in a way that keeps every bite interesting. It feels comforting and familiar, but still special enough to share.

This is the kind of pasta dinner that is easy to come back to again and again. If you make it, I would love to hear whether you added extra basil, a little red pepper heat, or even more Parmesan on top. Keep following along for more easy, comforting recipes from Jason Griffith.