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Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne – a rich, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5 people
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • Water for boiling, generously salted

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjustable
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Pat dry the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  • Transfer to a plate, cover, and let rest.

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook penne for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente texture.
  • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta (do not rinse).

Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  • Season with thyme, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Combine Everything:

  • Add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat.
  • If needed, add small amounts of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  • Slice the rested chicken and layer it on top of the pasta.

Serve & Garnish:

  • Plate the pasta and chicken, drizzle with extra sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.

Notes

  • For extra flavor: Use Parmigiano-Reggiano instead of regular Parmesan.
  • For a thicker sauce: Let the cream reduce longer before adding cheese.
  • For a thinner sauce: Use reserved pasta water as needed.
  • Make-ahead tip: Cook chicken and pasta separately and store in airtight containers.
  • Variations: Try adding mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or using Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 45gFat: 38gSodium: 750mg
Keyword Cheesy Garlic Chicken Penne, Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Creamy Parmesan Chicken, Easy Chicken Penne Recipe, One-Pot Chicken Pasta
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