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Flavour Quest Recipes

Creamy Herb Chicken Penne (32-Min Quick Comfort)

Creamy Herb Chicken Penne is a comforting skillet dinner that comes together in just over 30 minutes. Tender chicken and penne are coated in a smooth, herb-infused cream sauce finished with Parmesan for a cozy, satisfying meal. It’s an easy weeknight recipe when you want something flavorful, filling, and stress-free.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Penne pasta
  • 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 3 Cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup Chicken broth
  • ¾ cup Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp Parsley dried, (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • ½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper
  • ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup Reserved pasta water (as needed)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Stir in chicken broth and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne. Toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.