Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy Weeknight Dinner in 30 Minutes

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy Weeknight Dinner in 30 Minutes

This Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect comfort meal when you want something rich, satisfying, and easy to make. This dish combines tender diced chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a smooth garlic Parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite with delicious flavor. A simple recipe that feels restaurant-quality, and you can make it in just about 30 minutes. Perfect recipe for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with juicy chicken and pasta, creating a hearty meal everyone will love. Serve it with a fresh salad and warm garlic bread for a complete and comforting Italian-inspired dinner.

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Creamy chicken penne pasta with diced chicken, garlic, Parmesan sauce, and cherry tomatoes.

Creamy Chicken Pasta

5 from 1 vote
A rich and comforting Italian-style pasta dish made with tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts – diced into bite-size pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic – minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes – halved
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt – or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper – or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (optional for garnish)

Method
 

Cook the pasta
  1. Heat a large pot of salted water until it starts to boil.
  2. Simmer the penne pasta until it reaches an al dente texture.
  3. Strain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning herbs.
  3. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is nicely golden brown and no longer pink inside.
Make the creamy sauce
  1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
  3. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes.
  5. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine pasta and sauce
  1. Add the penne pasta to the sauce.
  2. Stir until well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
  3. Top the dish with aromatic parsley and red pepper flakes for color and spice.
  4. Offer additional Parmesan on the side for an extra savory finish.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta

  • Always cook the penne until al dente. This helps to hold the creamy sauce better and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
  • Fresh Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese and gives the sauce a smoother, richer flavor.
  • Cook the diced chicken just until it is golden and cooked through. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
  • Keep the heat medium to low when making the cream sauce. High heat can cause the cream to separate.
  • Stir the Parmesan cheese in gradually while the sauce is warm. This helps create a silky, lump-free sauce.

How to Store this Pasta dish

  • Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing. Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days (the sauce may thicken as it chills).
  • Freeze for up to 2 months (cream-based sauces can separate slightly when frozen). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

What to Serve with this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Serve this creamy chicken pasta with:

  • Fresh green salad or roasted vegetables
  • Warm garlic bread
Creamy chicken penne pasta with diced chicken, garlic, Parmesan sauce, and cherry tomatoes.

If you try this creamy chicken pasta recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know what you served it with or how you made it your own. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with family and friends who enjoy easy, delicious Mediterranean meals!

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