Name: Chicken Penne Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups grape tomatoes, (chopped); 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 1 clove garlic, (minced); Kosher salt and black pepper, (to taste); 10 ounces penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, (cut into 1-inch pieces); Kosher salt and black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 shallot, (diced); 5 cloves garlic, (minced); 2 tablespoons flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup white wine, (or white cooking wine); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, (plus more for serving)

This creamy chicken penne pasta recipe features a rich Parmesan sauce and fresh bruschetta topping. It's an easy family favorite ready in 35 minutes.

This creamy chicken penne pasta has become a regular request at our house. My boys love the rich Parmesan sauce coating every piece of penne and chicken, and I love that the fresh bruschetta topping makes it feel special without much extra work. The contrast between the warm, creamy pasta and the cool, tangy tomato-basil mixture is what keeps us coming back.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Penne Pasta

The bruschetta topping adds a fresh, bright pop of acidity that cuts through the creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s a simple trick that makes the dish feel restaurant-quality.
You cook the chicken first, then build the sauce in the same skillet, so cleanup is minimal and the pan gets extra flavor from the browned bits.
It comes together in about 35 minutes, which makes it a realistic weeknight dinner that still feels like a treat.

Key Ingredients for This Italian Pasta Dish

Parmesan cheese, Buy a wedge and grate it yourself. The pre-shredded stuff won’t melt into a smooth sauce, and the flavor is less sharp. A good Parmigiano-Reggiano makes a noticeable difference.
Grape tomatoes, They’re sweeter and less watery than larger tomatoes, which keeps the bruschetta topping from getting soggy. Cherry tomatoes work too, just chop them into smaller pieces.
White wine, A dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity that brightens the cream sauce. White cooking wine is fine in a pinch, but a real wine you’d drink gives better flavor.

Kitchen Tools for Chicken Penne Pasta

Large pot or Dutch oven, Use it to boil the pasta. A Dutch oven holds heat well and gives you room to stir without splashing.
Large skillet, A 12-inch skillet gives enough surface area to cook the chicken in a single layer and later build the sauce. Cast iron or stainless steel both work.
Microplane or box grater, For grating the Parmesan cheese fresh. A microplane gives a fine, fluffy grate that melts instantly.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Penne Pasta

When you whisk the flour into the butter and shallots, keep stirring as you pour in the chicken broth. That constant motion prevents lumps from forming and gives you a smooth base for the sauce. Let the sauce cook on low for the full 3 to 5 minutes, it needs that time to thicken properly before you add the cream and cheese.

Use a good wedge of Parmesan and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that keep it from melting smoothly, and you’ll end up with a grainy sauce instead of a silky one.

Expert Tips for the Bruschetta Topping and Chicken

Let the bruschetta topping sit while you cook the pasta and chicken. That resting time lets the tomatoes release their juices and the flavors of basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar meld together. If you skip this step, the topping won’t taste as vibrant.

Cut the chicken into even 1-inch pieces so they cook at the same rate. Overcrowding the pan will steam the meat instead of browning it, so cook in a single layer and stir only occasionally. You want golden edges, not gray, steamed chicken.

Chicken Penne Pasta Variations to Try

If you want to switch up the protein, diced cooked shrimp or sliced Italian sausage work well in place of the chicken. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add a can of drained chickpeas or white beans along with the cream. You can also make this dairy-free by using a full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, the sauce will be slightly thinner but still creamy. If you like more heat, double the crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne with the Italian seasoning.

What to Serve with Chicken Penne Pasta

Garlic bread is the natural partner here, it’s perfect for sopping up any extra sauce left on the plate. A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness of the creamy pasta, and roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a nice charred contrast. If you want to go all out, try caprese garlic bread: top your garlic bread with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil before toasting.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Penne Pasta

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The bruschetta topping is best eaten the day it’s made, the tomatoes lose their firmness and the basil wilts overnight. If you have leftover topping, you can still use it, but it won’t have the same fresh pop. I usually make just enough topping for the meal and whip up a new batch if I need it for leftovers.

How to Freeze Leftover Chicken Penne Pasta

Cool the pasta completely after cooking, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. The bruschetta topping does not freeze well, it will turn watery and lose its fresh texture, so freeze only the pasta and chicken in the sauce. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the container in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Best Ways to Reheat This Creamy Chicken Pasta

The stovetop gives the best results. Place the leftover pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of chicken broth or heavy cream. Stir gently until warmed through, about 5 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions in a covered bowl at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds. Avoid high heat, which can make the sauce separate or turn greasy. Add fresh bruschetta topping after reheating, not before.