Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

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Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—a savory combination of tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a luxurious, velvety sauce made with garlic, cream, Parmesan cheese, and a dash of spice. Finished with a bright bruschetta topping, it’s a balanced plate of creamy richness and fresh tomato-basil brightness that delights the palate with every bite.

This article will take you through everything you need to know to make this restaurant-quality dish at home, from prepping ingredients to mastering the sauce, and offering expert-level tips for variations and storage.

What Makes This Dish So Special?

Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish. What makes it stand out?

  • Tender, seasoned chicken – Juicy pieces seared to perfection.

  • Creamy tomato-garlic-Parmesan sauce – A velvety, spiced cream sauce with layers of flavor.

  • Bruschetta topping – A fresh contrast of tomatoes, basil, balsamic, and garlic.

  • Customizable – Swap in different proteins or add veggies.

  • Quick but elegant – Ready in 35 minutes, but fancy enough for a dinner party.

Ingredients

All ingredients are listed with their U.S. cup or tablespoon equivalents for precision and ease.

Pasta and Chicken

  • Penne pasta – 10 oz (about 2 cups dry)

  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • Kosher salt – to taste

  • Black pepper – to taste

Sauce Base

  • Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons

  • All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons

  • Shallot – 1 small, finely diced

  • Garlic cloves – 5, minced

  • Chicken broth – 1 cup

  • White wine (or white cooking wine) – ÂĽ cup

  • Heavy cream – 1 cup

  • Italian seasoning – ½ teaspoon

  • Crushed red pepper flakes – ÂĽ teaspoon (optional, for heat)

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – 1 cup (plus extra for garnish)

Bruschetta Topping

  • Grape tomatoes – 2 cups, chopped

  • Fresh basil – 3 tablespoons, chopped

  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon

  • Balsamic vinegar – 1 tablespoon

  • Garlic clove – 1, minced

  • Kosher salt & black pepper – to taste

Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 6

  • Calories per Serving: Approx. 520 kcal

How to Make Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

Each stage is broken down for clarity and success. Follow these carefully, and you’ll have a flawless pasta dish ready to impress.

Stage 1: Prepare the Bruschetta Topping

This fresh topping adds acidity and brightness to balance the creamy sauce.

Steps:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine:

    • 2 cups chopped grape tomatoes

    • 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil

    • 1 tbsp olive oil

    • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

    • 1 minced garlic clove

    • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

  2. Stir well and set aside. Allow it to sit while you make the pasta. This gives the flavors time to develop.

Stage 2: Cook the Pasta

Penne is ideal for creamy sauces because the ridges hold the sauce well.

Steps:

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

  2. Add 10 oz of penne pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).

  3. Drain and set aside. Lightly drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, if necessary.

Stage 3: Cook the Chicken

Searing the chicken pieces first adds flavor and texture.

Steps:

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

  3. Add chicken pieces in a single layer (avoid overcrowding).

  4. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

  5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Stage 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

This is the heart of the dish—creamy, cheesy, and slightly spiced.

Steps:

  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat.

  2. Add the diced shallot and sauté for 1 minute until softened.

  3. Stir in the 5 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over the mixture. Whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.

  5. Gradually pour in:

    • 1 cup chicken broth

    • ÂĽ cup white wine

    Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

  6. Add:

    • 1 cup heavy cream

    • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

    • ÂĽ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  7. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

  8. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully melted into the sauce.

Stage 5: Combine Everything

Now you’ll bring all elements together into a rich, cohesive dish.

Steps:

  1. Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce.

  2. Add the cooked chicken.

  3. Stir to coat everything evenly.

  4. Add 1 cup of the chopped grape tomatoes (reserve some for topping).

  5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until everything is heated through.

Stage 6: Serve & Garnish

Time to finish strong with the fresh bruschetta topping.

Steps:

  1. Plate the creamy chicken penne pasta.

  2. Spoon generous amounts of the bruschetta topping over each serving.

  3. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and a pinch of basil.

  4. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer richer, juicier meat.

  • Deglaze properly – When adding wine and broth, scrape the pan to lift those flavorful browned bits.

  • Consistency is key – If your sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.

  • Finish in the pan – Always toss the pasta with the sauce in the skillet for optimal coating and flavor absorption.

  • Bruschetta topping – Don’t skip it. It adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the sauce.

Add-Ons and Substitutions

Here are some delicious ways to modify the dish:

  • Vegetables – Add baby spinach, sautĂ©ed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.

  • Cheese – Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano.

  • No wine? – Just use extra chicken broth or add a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

  • Make it spicy – Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

  • Add a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Freezing:

  • Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce. It may separate when thawed.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~520 kcal

  • Protein: ~30g

  • Carbohydrates: ~35g

  • Fat: ~28g

  • Fiber: ~2g

  • Sugar: ~3g

  • Sodium: ~480mg

Why This Dish Works So Well

The success of Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta comes from its balance:

  • The richness of cream and Parmesan is cut with acidic tomatoes and balsamic.

  • The umami from seared chicken and cheese meets the freshness of basil and garlic.

  • The texture is perfect—al dente pasta and tender chicken, finished with juicy tomatoes.

Each element complements the other, creating a flavor harmony that tastes like something from a cozy Italian trattoria.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing pasta dish that feels indulgent but is quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta checks all the boxes. It’s flavorful, rich, balanced with fresh toppings, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner with friends, this recipe delivers bold Italian-inspired flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a regular rotation favorite.

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