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Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes, this classic chicken penne pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.

A white bowl of chicken penne pasta.
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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 for chicken penne pasta on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients

  • 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

  1. PASTA. Cook 1 pound penne pasta according to packaged directions.
  2. CHICKEN. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan, add 3 cubed chicken breasts, and cook until cooked through.
  3. 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.
A white bowl of chicken penne pasta.

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5 from 18 votes

Chicken Penne Pasta

By: Lil’ Luna
Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes, this classic chicken penne pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
Servings: 6
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 18 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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51 Comments

  1. Karina says:

    Yum! Thanks for an easy dinner idea.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Hope you like it as much as we do! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  2. Crystal says:

    Do you think that this would freeze well? Looking to add more yummy things to my freezer meal lists

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      To be honest, I’m not sure. I’m not an expert on freezer meals but I would imagine it would be similar to other Pasta dishes. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  3. Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen says:

    This looks like a dinner I could devour!!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      It would be pretty easy to do. It is so yummy. ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Leslie says:

    Can I use regular flour? Or does it have to be wondra flour?

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      I think regular flour will work as well. We just wanted to give the Wondra flour a try and it was great too. ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Chloe @ foodlikecake says:

    This looks amazing! I’m sure it tastes amazing too ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Amy@theidearoom says:

    Yummy! Looks amazing! Pinned!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Thanks, Amy!! XO

  7. jen @ Tatertots & Jello says:

    What a yummy recipe! Pinned ๐Ÿ™‚

    xox

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Thank you, Jen! It is so delicious – you would love it. ๐Ÿ™‚