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Creamy Italian chicken penne pasta recipe with diced chicken and garlic Parmesan cream sauce

Creamy Italian Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

5 from 1 vote
This creamy Italian chicken penne pasta recipe is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner made with tender diced chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce coats every bite, making this pasta flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for the whole family.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method

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.