This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes, this classic chicken penne pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
Chicken + pasta = win
Not sure about you, but we love pasta for dinner! This creamy chicken penne pasta is an easy crowd-pleaser that the entire family will love. Rich and creamy, it’s the perfect base for a weeknight meal.
Serve alongside Oven Roasted Vegetables and Cheesy Garlic Bread for a kid-approved dinner. We know they will love it!
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Quick & easy. This easy pasta recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Ultra creamy. The combination of butter, half and half, and parmesan cheese creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.
- Family-friendly. This penne pasta recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and kids, making it a great choice for a family dinner idea.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 20 minutes
- 1 pound penne pasta – or ziti, bow tie, fusilli
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic – How to Mince Garlic
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed – you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth – or chicken stock
- 1 cup half and half – Using half and half or whole milk makes a creamier sauce but 2% will work
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- garlic salt and black pepper – to taste
How to make chicken penne pasta
- PASTA. Cook 1 pound penne pasta according to packaged directions.
- CHICKEN. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan, add 3 cubed chicken breasts, and cook until cooked through.
- SAUCE. Add 2 teaspoons garlic and cook for 1 minute over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons flour and cook for an additional minute, stir constantly.
- Add 1 cup half and half and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring constantly. Cook until sauce boils and thickens.
- Add 1 teaspoon basil and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Add desired garlic salt and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted. Pour sauce over pasta and serve immediately.
Complete The Meal
Side Dishes
Desserts
More Pasta Dishes
More Collections
Chicken Penne Pasta
Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes, this classic chicken penne pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- garlic salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to packaged directions.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan and add chicken. Cook until cooked through.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute over medium heat. Add flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Add milk and broth, stirring constantly. Cook until sauce boils and thickens.
- Add parsley and parmesan cheese. Add desired salt and pepper. Continue stirring until cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
- Pour sauce over pasta and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 618kcal, Carbohydrates: 62g, Protein: 42g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 122mg, Sodium: 617mg, Potassium: 702mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 556IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 256mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Add Extra Flavor?
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added spice or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Add spinach or kale.
- Add some sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add broccoli florets, sauteed green beans, or mushrooms.
- Top with bacon crumbles.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken.
Does Chicken Penne Pasta Make a Good Freezer Meal?
- Pasta is among my favorite freezer meals. I typically like to double a recipe and then freeze the extra for another day. Cook according to the recipe. Cool slightly then place in a freezer Ziploc. The pasta can be kept in the freezer for 3-4 months.
- Thaw and then reheat on the stovetop. Heat it low and slow and add a bit of milk to help revive the creamy smooth texture.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Penne Pasta?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a bit of milk to help get a smooth texture.
Absolutely delicious family meal! Easy, quick, budget friendly & minimal clean up. I will definitely make it again. I loved that the sauce was creamy but not too rich, due to the broth.
The recipe calls for basil, but the instructions call for parsley. Which one is correct?