Name: Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter; 14 oz penne; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1¼ cups heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup grated Parmesan; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 2 cups baby spinach; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

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If I had to pick one pasta that never fails to impress both family and friends, Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce would be my hands-down favorite. Imagine fork-tender chicken seared with fragrant herbs, tossed into perfectly cooked penne, and wrapped in a velvety parmesan cream sauce with bursts of baby spinach and addictive sun-dried tomatoes. It comes together faster than you’d think, yet looks (and tastes) like something from a cozy Italian trattoria. Trust me, if you love comfort food with a boost of elegance, you’re about to fall in love with this dish.

Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce lies in the balance of everyday ingredients with special touches like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Every single item in this list plays an important role in flavor, color, or texture—so let’s make each one count!

Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced, these deliver juiciness and soak up the herb blend beautifully.
Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean flavor that brings depth and warmth to the chicken.
Dried basil: Adds earthy, slightly sweet notes to every bite.
Garlic powder: Boosts the herby chicken with subtle garlic savoriness.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing all the other ingredients.
Black pepper: A touch of heat that lifts up the chicken and complements the sauce.
Olive oil + butter: This combo is the secret to a beautifully golden, flavorful chicken.
Penne: Classic tube pasta—perfect for catching every bit of creamy sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to our sauce without overpowering it.
Fresh garlic cloves: Sautéed for mouthwatering aroma and classic Italian flavor.
Heavy cream: The base of our irresistibly velvety parmesan sauce.
Cream cheese: Softened for silkiness and a slight tang, making the sauce extra luscious.
Grated Parmesan: Nutty, salty, and utterly essential for real Italian flair.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts into the sauce for that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.
Baby spinach: Wilts into the sauce for color and a fresh, mild bite in every forkful.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Sliced and tangy, they pop with sweet-tart intensity and gorgeous color.
Italian seasoning: Ties the whole sauce together with classic herby goodness.
Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled on top for color, aroma, and a truly Italian finish.

How to Make Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Start by boiling your penne in plenty of well-salted water until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but still a touch firm to the bite. Be sure to reserve a full cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain. This trick is a game-changer, since that water will help bring the creamy sauce and pasta together later if things seem too thick or sticky.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken slices dry, then shower them evenly with dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Massaging these herbs into the meat makes such a difference, ensuring every bite of Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce is loaded with savory, herby flavor from the very beginning.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a mix of olive oil and butter over medium-high in a large, deep skillet. Once it’s shimmering and smells nutty, lay the chicken in without crowding the pan. Let it sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes a side until deep golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest (it’ll be extra juicy when you slice it later!).

Step 4: Start the Sauce Base

In the same pan—don’t you dare wipe away those gorgeous brown bits—add another knob of butter and the minced garlic. Stir for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This sets the foundation for that unforgettable Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce.

Step 5: Melt in Cream Cheese with Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and plop in the softened cream cheese. Whisk gently until everything is smooth, silky, and thickened, which only takes a couple minutes. The sauce should look rich and coat the back of a spoon already.

Step 6: Add Cheeses

Lower the heat, then gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella. Watch as the sauce transforms into a decadent, glossy river of cheese that hugs your spoon. At this point, you’ll see why Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce is always a crowd-pleaser!

Step 7: Wilt Spinach, Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the fresh baby spinach until just wilted—it adds a splash of color and freshness against the creamy base. Next, fold in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning for a punch of sweet-tart flavor and quintessential herby aroma.

Step 8: Toss in Pasta

Add the cooked penne right into that luscious sauce, tossing to coat each tube thoroughly. Only splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to loosen up. The finished dish should be rich, creamy, and coating each noodle beautifully—not soupy!

Step 9: Slice and Finish Chicken

Slice your rested chicken breasts on a bias for gorgeous, restaurant-style pieces. Arrange them proudly on top of the pasta, then crown it all with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil. And just like that, your Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce is ready to wow everyone at the table.

How to Serve Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes

For finishing touches, I adore a heavy shower of fresh basil to add brightness and color. Extra Parmesan never hurts either, and a tiny drizzle of olive oil makes everything glisten. Before serving, you could top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for just a whisper of heat, or even thinly sliced chives for a gourmet edge. These small details make Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce truly sing.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is rich and creamy, pair it with something fresh and simple. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a platter of roasted asparagus is perfect to balance the flavors. Classic garlic bread is always a hit too—nothing beats mopping up extra Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce with a warm, buttery slice.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, twirl a nest of pasta onto each plate, fan the sliced herb chicken on top, and sprinkle with basil. Or, serve family-style in a big ceramic dish so everyone can dig in together. This dish also makes a crowd-pleasing option for potlucks—just keep the sauce and pasta separate until it’s time to serve (so everything stays creamy and fresh) and assemble on the spot!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but the flavors get even cozier. For best results, store the chicken on top (or separately) to keep the slices tender.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this pasta for future cravings! Cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months. The creamy sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, but a gentle stir during reheating usually brings it back together. Fresh basil is best added after reheating, so save a sprinkle for when you serve.

Reheating

For stovetop reheating, place the pasta and chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk. Stir gently until warmed through and silky again. If you’re microwaving, cover the bowl and add a spoonful of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce. In just a few minutes, it’s as irresistible as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for soaking up the creamy parmesan sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente and reserve some pasta water for tossing with the sauce.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

No worries! Cream cheese helps make the sauce extra thick and rich, but you can substitute with mascarpone, ricotta, or just increase the amount of heavy cream. The Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce will still turn out fabulously creamy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Easily! Simply omit the chicken or substitute with seasoned sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. The creamy Italian parmesan sauce and herby flavors shine through deliciously on their own or with vegetables.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce looks a little tight while mixing with the pasta, just splash in some of the reserved pasta water. The starch in the water loosens things up while keeping the sauce clingy instead of watery—magic for any creamy pasta dish!

Is this dish spicy?

By default, the Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce is mild and comforting, with no heat. If you enjoy a kick, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or as a finishing touch. Completely customizable!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving both comfort and flavor, you cannot go wrong with a big bowl of Herb Chicken Penne Coated in Creamy Italian Parmesan Sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant for company—give it a try and let the herby, cheesy goodness win over your tastebuds and your heart.