Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.
Utensils That Make the Creamy Magic Happen
Large skillet: Essential for browning chicken and cooking the entire dish.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping pan bits.
Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken into pieces.
Sharp knife: Crucial for precise chicken cutting.
Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate broth and milk measurements.
Cheese grater: Useful for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
Serving bowls: Great for presenting the creamy pasta dish.
A Simple Method for a Rich Chicken Pasta
Skillet Sizzle Chicken chunks dance in melted butter, transforming into golden treasures with deep, rich flavors.
Garlic Whispers Fragrant garlic joins the party, releasing its magical aroma and elevating the entire dish's personality.
Pasta Embrace Penne plunges into a bubbling broth bath, softening and absorbing every delicious hint of seasoning during its cozy simmer.
Creamy Transformation Smooth cream cheese and silky milk melt together, creating a luxurious sauce that hugs each pasta curve while Parmesan adds its signature tangy warmth.
Final Touch Optional green spinach leaves and sun-kissed tomatoes swirl through the dish, bringing color and vibrant freshness. A sprinkle of pepper awakens the senses, promising a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Smart Touches for Bigger, Bolder Flavor
If your sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of reserved pasta water to restore perfect creamy consistency without losing flavor.
Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or cubed ham for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to create a hearty meatless version that's equally satisfying and nutritious.
Adjust red pepper and black pepper quantities to match your heat preference – from mild whispers to bold, fiery statements that dance on your taste buds.
Store remaining pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days, gently reheating with a splash of milk to restore its original creamy texture and prevent drying out.
Pasta Serving Ideas That Don’t Miss
Restaurant-Style Plating: Swirl the creamy pasta on a white plate, creating elegant height. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a professional touch.
Family-Friendly Comfort Meal: Serve in large, deep bowls with warm garlic bread on the side. Encourage everyone to dig in and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors together.
Healthy Green Boost: Top with extra wilted spinach and chopped fresh herbs like parsley. Add a small side salad with light vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta's richness.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The light, refreshing wine cuts through the creamy sauce perfectly.
Best Way to Reheat Creamy Pasta Without Ruining It
Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a double batch and stash portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners. These meals stay delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the pasta completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Sealed tightly, this creamy dish maintains great flavor for up to 2 months.
Smart Reheating Technique: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy texture. Avoid microwave to prevent sauce separation.
Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop chicken and measure ingredients ahead of time. Store prepped components in separate containers for faster cooking during busy weeknights, keeping ingredients fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
Culinary magic unfolds with this creamy chicken pasta recipe, blending tender chicken and al dente noodles in a rich sauce. Home cooks will savor each comforting bite of this classic Italian-inspired comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
0.5 lb (227 g) penne pasta
1.5 cups (360 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) milk
3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, cut into chunks
2 tbsps (30 g) butter
0.33 cup (80 ml) basil pesto
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups (85 g) fresh spinach (optional)
0.25 cup (35 g) sliced sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
Preparation: Dice chicken breasts into uniform cubes for consistent cooking and texture.
Searing: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken pieces until golden with crispy edges.
Aromatics: Add minced garlic and sauté briefly to release fragrant notes without scorching.
Pasta Integration: Combine penne pasta and chicken broth in the skillet, scraping caramelized bits to enhance flavor profile.
Cooking Pasta: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
Creamy Transformation: Blend whole milk, cream cheese, and basil pesto into a silky, luxurious sauce, stirring continuously.
Cheese Incorporation: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce reaches ideal thickness and smooth texture.
Final Touches: Gently fold in baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing vegetables to warm through and spinach to wilt.
Seasoning and Serving: Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, then serve immediately while steaming hot.
Notes
Achieve Uniform Cooking: Cut chicken into consistent 1-inch cubes to guarantee even browning and prevent uneven texture.
Control Garlic Intensity: Sauté minced garlic briefly (45-60 seconds) to release flavors without burning, which can create bitter undertones.
Boost Flavor Depth: Scrape caramelized bits from skillet bottom when adding broth, capturing concentrated chicken and butter essence.
Perfect Pasta Texture: Simmer pasta covered for 8-9 minutes, checking for al dente consistency to prevent overcooking and mushy results.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.