The Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne with Buttery Herb Cream

There’s something special about sitting down to a warm bowl of pasta on a cozy evening, especially when it’s smothered in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re gathering with family for Sunday dinner, looking to impress guests on a special occasion, or simply indulging in a weeknight treat, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne with Buttery Herb Cream brings comfort, elegance, and mouthwatering flavor to the table.

This recipe was born from a desire to recreate the kind of rich, herbaceous pasta you might find at a rustic Italian bistro—but made simple enough for any home kitchen. Inspired by timeless Italian-American flavors, it combines tender strips of seasoned chicken, al dente penne, and a velvety sauce made with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. Add a sprinkle of herbs and you’ve got a dish that feels fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Comforting

This dish is all about that rich, creamy texture. The combination of heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that’s silky smooth, with just the right balance of richness and flavor.

2. Full of Flavor

Garlic and herbs provide depth, while the seared chicken brings savory heartiness. The optional red pepper flakes or lemon zest can give it a zing if you like a little brightness.

3. Quick and Easy

Despite its luxurious feel, this recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a satisfying homemade meal.

4. One-Skillet Wonder

Minimal cleanup makes this dish even more appealing. You’ll cook everything—chicken, sauce, and pasta—in just one pan (besides the pot for boiling pasta).

5. Versatile and Family-Friendly

It’s simple enough for picky eaters, but flavorful enough to keep foodies happy. You can also add vegetables, swap the protein, or toss in some extras based on what’s in your fridge.

---

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil (plus more for garnish)

• Optional: 2 oz cream cheese (for extra richness)

• Optional: red pepper flakes or lemon zest (for brightness)

---

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Be generous with the salt—think of it as the first seasoning for your dish. You want the water to taste slightly salty, like the sea. This helps ensure the pasta is flavorful from the inside out.

Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and give it a gentle stir to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture—firm to the bite but not hard. This slight firmness allows the pasta to hold up when tossed in the rich sauce without becoming mushy.

Once the pasta is cooked, immediately drain it using a colander. Don’t rinse the pasta—the natural starch on the surface will help the sauce cling better. Set the drained pasta aside while you prepare the other elements of the dish.

---

2. Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking or draining, move on to the chicken. Start by seasoning the chicken breast strips with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, and black pepper. This step infuses the meat with delicious herbaceous and garlicky notes even before it hits the pan.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, it’s hot enough to sear. Carefully place the seasoned chicken strips in the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.

Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes on one side to develop a golden, slightly crisp exterior. Then flip each piece and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep it warm.

---

3. Make the Buttery Herb Cream Sauce

Now comes the heart of the dish: the rich, velvety sauce. Using the same skillet—do not wash it—melt butter over medium heat. The leftover browned bits from the chicken add incredible flavor to the sauce.

Once the butter is melted and lightly bubbling, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a cozy garlic haven.

Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go. This creates a rich base for your sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and if using, add cream cheese for added creaminess and body. Keep stirring until everything melts together into a silky sauce.

Add the fresh chopped parsley or basil and let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse their aroma and the sauce to thicken slightly.

---

4. Bring It All Together

Once your sauce is creamy and aromatic, it’s time to assemble. Return the seared chicken and cooked penne to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to gently toss everything together, making sure every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in the luscious sauce.

Let the mixture simmer for another 1–2 minutes, which helps the flavors marry and the sauce adhere even better to the pasta.

---

5. Serve and Enjoy

When everything is warmed through and perfectly coated, remove the skillet from heat. For an added touch of color and flavor, sprinkle extra fresh herbs on top. If you enjoy a hint of spice or zest, finish with a dash of red pepper flakes or a little lemon zest.

Serve immediately while hot—ideally in warmed bowls to maintain the creaminess—and savor every comforting, flavorful bite.

---

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

---

Tips for Perfect Results

Use Fresh Garlic

Minced garlic from a jar works in a pinch, but fresh garlic delivers the bold, aromatic flavor that gives this dish its signature depth.

Grate Your Own Parmesan

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy. For the creamiest result, grate fresh Parmesan right before adding it.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Keep your skillet hot but not smoking. Once the chicken turns golden and is no longer pink inside, take it off the heat. Overcooked chicken can turn dry and tough.

Customize Your Sauce

The cream cheese adds body and a bit of tang, but it’s optional. For extra richness, go for it. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk—but be sure to simmer longer so the sauce thickens.

---

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are some great ways to make it your own:

Add Veggies

• Spinach – Stir in a handful right before serving to let it wilt.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Chop and toss in for sweetness and tang.

• Mushrooms – Sauté with the garlic for an earthy touch.

• Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus – Adds texture and color.

Change the Protein

• Shrimp – Sear quickly in olive oil and toss in with the pasta.

• Sausage – Slice and sauté for a spicier twist.

• Tofu or Chickpeas – For a vegetarian version with protein.

Make it Spicy

• Add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.

• Drizzle with hot chili oil before serving.

Make it Zesty

• A little lemon zest added at the end brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.

---

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but stir halfway through for even heating.

---

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Looking to build a full meal around this dish? Try pairing it with:

Sides:

• Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks

• A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables or grilled zucchini

Drinks:

• Sparkling water with lemon

• A light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay

• Iced tea with fresh herbs

Desserts:

• Tiramisu or cannoli for Italian flair

• Lemon bars to balance the creaminess

• Vanilla bean ice cream with fresh berries

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare this dish in advance, but it’s at its best when served fresh. If you do want to make it ahead, consider cooking the components separately. Prepare the chicken, pasta, and sauce, then store them individually in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce or becoming soggy. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently in a skillet, toss in the pasta and chicken, and warm everything through.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Cream-based sauces are notoriously tricky to freeze. While technically you can freeze this dish, the texture of the sauce may suffer—separating or becoming grainy when reheated. For best quality and taste, it’s recommended to enjoy leftovers within 3 days by storing them in the refrigerator and reheating with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely. Penne is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, but other pasta shapes work beautifully too. Rigatoni, rotini, farfalle (bowties), or even fettuccine can all be used, depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook whichever pasta you choose to an al dente texture.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten things up, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You can also omit the cream cheese and use less butter. Enhance flavor by increasing fresh herbs, garlic, or even adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness without extra fat.

Print