Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Penne Pasta
Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that the whole family will love, this Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Penne Pasta is exactly what you need.
Tender pieces of seasoned chicken are combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta and coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs.
Every bite is packed with savory flavor, creamy texture, and delicious pasta goodness.
This easy chicken pasta recipe feels special enough for a weekend dinner but is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta
There are plenty of reasons this pasta recipe deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation:
- Creamy and comforting
- Packed with Italian herb flavor
- Tender, juicy chicken
- Rich Parmesan sauce
- Easy one-pan-style preparation
- Family-friendly
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Easy to customize
- Great for leftovers
It’s the kind of meal that tastes like restaurant-quality comfort food without requiring complicated cooking techniques.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- Salt, for the pasta water
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil, optional
Ingredient Notes
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully, but chicken thighs can also be used.
Chicken thighs tend to be slightly more flavorful and forgiving because they contain more fat.
Penne Pasta
Penne is ideal because its shape holds onto the creamy sauce.
You can substitute:
- Rigatoni
- Rotini
- Farfalle
- Ziti
- Fettuccine
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
For the creamiest sauce, grate the Parmesan yourself.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates a rich, silky sauce.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, although the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Italian Seasoning
A good Italian seasoning blend usually contains herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own.
How to Make Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Penne Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve approximately 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter to the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
Add Italian seasoning, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Stir well.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for approximately 3–5 minutes.
Don’t let it boil aggressively.
Step 6: Add Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low.
Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan while stirring continuously.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Adjust the Sauce
Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Start with a few tablespoons and add more as needed.
The pasta water contains starch that helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy.
Step 8: Add the Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained penne pasta.
Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors can come together.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat.
Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Add fresh basil if desired.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
How to Make the Creamiest Pasta Sauce
The key to a smooth creamy sauce is controlling the heat.
Avoid boiling the cream aggressively.
Once you add Parmesan, keep the heat low.
High heat can cause the cheese to separate and create a grainy sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan also melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Why Is My Sauce Too Thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t worry.
Simply add a little reserved pasta water or chicken broth.
Add a small amount at a time while stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Why Is My Sauce Grainy?
A grainy sauce can happen when Parmesan is added over very high heat.
To avoid this:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan.
- Reduce the heat before adding cheese.
- Add cheese gradually.
- Stir continuously.
- Don’t boil the sauce after adding Parmesan.
How to Keep the Chicken Juicy
The biggest mistake is overcooking the chicken.
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, then remove it from the skillet.
It will return to the sauce at the end.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne
For even more garlic flavor, add an extra clove or two of minced garlic.
You can also finish the dish with a small spoonful of roasted garlic for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
Spicy Italian Herb Chicken Pasta
If you enjoy spicy food, add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Crushed chili peppers
- A pinch of cayenne
- Spicy Italian sausage
Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Add Vegetables
This creamy chicken pasta is easy to turn into a complete vegetable-packed meal.
Try adding:
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
Creamy Spinach Chicken Penne
Add several handfuls of fresh spinach to the sauce near the end of cooking.
Stir until the spinach wilts.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before making the sauce.
The mushrooms add a wonderful savory flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with Parmesan.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and tend to stay juicy.
Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook until completely done.
Can I Use Half-and-Half Instead of Heavy Cream?
Yes.
Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.
Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Adding Parmesan and a little pasta water can help create a creamy consistency.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes, but creamy pasta is best served immediately.
If making it ahead, slightly undercook the pasta and store the sauce separately when possible.
When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, broth, or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Pasta
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to approximately 3–4 days.
How to Reheat Creamy Chicken Penne
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat.
Add a splash of:
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Pasta water
Stir frequently until heated through.
Avoid overheating because the creamy sauce can become thick or separate.
Can You Freeze Creamy Chicken Pasta?
You can freeze it, but cream-based sauces may change texture slightly after thawing.
For the best quality, enjoy this pasta fresh or refrigerated.
If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Penne
This pasta is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- Homemade bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Green salad
- Bruschetta
A slice of warm garlic bread is especially perfect for soaking up the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta
Use Fresh Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides superior flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook it until al dente.
It will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
Save Pasta Water
Always reserve some pasta water before draining.
It can help adjust the sauce and improve its consistency.
Don’t Burn the Garlic
Garlic cooks quickly.
Keep an eye on it and stir frequently.
Don’t Boil the Cream
A gentle simmer is all you need.
Serve Immediately
Creamy sauces are at their best when served hot and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne is perfect, but rigatoni, rotini, farfalle, and fettuccine can also work.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. If you’re short on time, leftover roasted or grilled chicken can be sliced and added to the sauce.
Can I make this without Parmesan?
You can substitute another hard cheese such as Romano or Asiago, although Parmesan provides the classic flavor.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it gently for a few extra minutes or add more Parmesan.
How can I make it thinner?
Add reserved pasta water, milk, cream, or chicken broth.
Can I add broccoli?
Absolutely. Cook the broccoli separately or add it during the final minutes of pasta cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not normally. Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a mild family-friendly meal.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be considerably lighter and thinner. Half-and-half is a better substitute if available.
Recipe Card
Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Penne Pasta
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh Parmesan
- Fresh basil, optional
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook penne in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet.
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet.
- Sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth.
- Add Italian seasoning, oregano, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Add pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add cooked penne.
- Toss until everything is coated in the sauce.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food dinner.
Tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked penne, garlic, Italian herbs, and freshly grated Parmesan come together in a rich and creamy sauce that’s packed with flavor.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but delicious enough to serve when you’re entertaining.
Serve it with warm garlic bread and a simple salad, and you’ve got a complete restaurant-style dinner right at home.