Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe

This Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe has become my absolute go-to dinner when I need something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I love how all the pasta cooks right in the same pot with the chicken, soaking up all those amazing flavors instead of just plain water. 

The first time I made this, I was skeptical about not boiling the pasta separately. But trust me on this one, it works like magic. What really gets me excited about this recipe is how the cream of chicken soup creates this incredibly rich base that coats every piece of penne perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe

Let me walk you through what makes this dish so special – it’s all about using the right ingredients.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: I always use extra virgin for better flavor
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces: uniform pieces cook evenly
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: fresh is always better than jarred for that punch of flavor
• 1 can cream of chicken soup: this creates the creamy base without heavy cream
• 3 cups chicken broth, low sodium: controls the salt level in your final dish
• 3 cups uncooked penne pasta: don’t use thin pasta as it won’t hold up to the cooking method
• 2 cups frozen peas: frozen work better than fresh here as they won’t overcook
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: please don’t use the pre-grated stuff, it makes such a difference
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: dried basil just can’t compete with fresh

Note: This recipe serves 6 generous portions or 4 very hungry people.

Variations

Here are some delicious ways to customize this recipe to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences.

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace the cream of chicken soup with coconut cream mixed with chicken broth, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta – just check the cooking time as it may vary.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use cream of mushroom soup.
• Flavor Enhancers: Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or baby spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Kick: Include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the garlic.

Cooking Time

Here’s exactly how long you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

These are the essential tools that will make your cooking process smooth and efficient.

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven: for cooking everything in one pot
• Sharp knife: for cutting chicken into uniform pieces
• Cutting board: preferably separate one for raw chicken
• Wooden spoon: for stirring without scratching your pan
• Measuring cups and spoons: for accurate ingredient portions
• Cheese grater: if you’re grating fresh Parmesan

How to Make Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe?

This one-pot wonder is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely restaurant-quality. The secret lies in layering flavors and letting the pasta absorb all the delicious liquid as it cooks. I’ve broken this down into simple steps that even beginner cooks can master with confidence.

Preparing the Chicken Base

Start by heating your olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly. Add your chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan as this will cause steaming instead of browning. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes before stirring, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden crust. Once browned on most sides, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant – any longer and it might burn.

Building the Creamy Sauce

Now comes the magic part where we create the creamy base that will cook our pasta. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, whisking everything together until completely smooth and no lumps remain. The mixture should look creamy and unified at this point. Bring this beautiful sauce to a rolling boil, which should take about 3-4 minutes depending on your stove’s heat output.

Adding the Pasta

Here’s where this recipe gets really interesting – we add the uncooked penne directly to the boiling sauce mixture. Stir the pasta in thoroughly to ensure every piece is submerged in the liquid, then reduce your heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pan partially and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll notice the pasta absorbing all those wonderful flavors as it cooks.

Final Touches and Assembly

In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and continue cooking until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness – usually about 2-3 more minutes. The dish is ready when the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a creamy coating. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves, letting the residual heat melt the cheese into silky perfection.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Based on my experience making this recipe dozens of times, here are my insider secrets for perfect results.

• I always let my chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking – it helps it cook more evenly and prevents tough, rubbery texture.
• When I’m browning the chicken, I resist the urge to move it around too much because patience here rewards you with better flavor development.
• I’ve learned to taste the dish just before adding the Parmesan and adjust the seasoning – sometimes I add a pinch of black pepper or a splash more broth if needed.
• My secret trick is saving a little bit of the pasta cooking liquid before adding the cheese, just in case I need to loosen the sauce later.
• I always add the basil at the very end because heat destroys its delicate flavor – learned this the hard way after making flat-tasting versions.
• If I’m feeling fancy, I like to reserve some fresh basil leaves for garnish and maybe an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

How to Serve Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe?

Serve this creamy pasta in warm bowls to keep everything at the perfect temperature. I love garnishing each portion with extra fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. For a restaurant-quality presentation, add a light drizzle of good olive oil and a few cracks of fresh black pepper.

This pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or simple mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes an excellent side for soaking up any extra sauce. For wine lovers, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti complements the creamy, savory flavors perfectly.

Nutritional Information

This hearty dish provides a well-balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients to fuel your day.

• Calories: 485 per serving
• Protein: 32 grams
• Carbohydrates: 48 grams
• Fat: 18 grams

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep and yields fantastic leftovers when stored properly.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover parmesan chicken penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making the next day’s lunch even more delicious. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well for up to 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. I recommend slightly undercooking the pasta if you plan to freeze it, as it will continue cooking when reheated. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating Methods: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each heating cycle until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This parmesan chicken penne checks all the boxes for what makes a recipe truly exceptional and worth making again and again.

• Incredible Convenience Factor: This one-pot wonder means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor with everything cooking together in perfect harmony. You’ll spend more time enjoying your meal than washing dishes, and the pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors instead of just plain water.
• Budget-Friendly Family Meal: Using simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry makes this recipe both economical and accessible. One recipe feeds a family of six generously, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week.
• Foolproof for Any Skill Level: Even complete beginners can master this recipe because it’s nearly impossible to mess up once you follow the simple steps. The forgiving cooking method means you don’t have to worry about perfectly timing multiple components or complex techniques.
• Endless Customization Options: This recipe serves as an excellent base for creativity, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables, adjust spice levels, or accommodate dietary restrictions. Whether you want to sneak in extra veggies for the kids or make it dairy-free for guests.
• Restaurant-Quality Results at Home: The rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta rival what you’d get at your favorite Italian restaurant, but for a fraction of the cost.