Creamy Chicken Penne with Italian Blend Cheese

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Creamy Chicken Penne with Italian Blend Cheese is a rich, comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a velvety cheese sauce made with a flavorful Italian cheese blend. This dish is ideal for family dinners, special gatherings, or whenever you crave something warm, creamy, and satisfying.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Juicy chicken pieces are seasoned and pan-seared until golden, while penne pasta provides the perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce. The Italian blend cheese—often a combination of mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and sometimes asiago—melts beautifully to create a smooth, savory sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

This recipe is inspired by classic Italian comfort dishes but simplified so you can make it easily in your own kitchen. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and cheese, creates a restaurant-style pasta that tastes luxurious yet remains approachable for everyday cooking.

Below you will find a detailed, step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious dish from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Chicken

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk

1½ cups shredded Italian blend cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Vegetables

1 cup broccoli florets
½ cup sautéed mushrooms
½ cup spinach
½ cup cherry tomatoes

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra parmesan cheese
Fresh cracked black pepper

Equipment Needed

Large pot
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Colander
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add one tablespoon of salt to the water. This step is important because it seasons the pasta from the inside.

Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the penne pasta.

Cook according to package instructions, usually 9–11 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Al dente means the pasta is tender but still slightly firm in the center.

Before draining the pasta, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. The starch in this water can help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps the chicken sear properly.

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes or thin strips.

In a bowl, season the chicken with:

  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • salt
  • black pepper

Mix until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.

Cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken becomes golden brown and fully cooked.

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Preparing the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium.

Add butter and allow it to melt.

Add minced garlic and cook for about 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

The garlic butter base forms the aromatic foundation of the sauce.

Step 5: Creating the Roux

Add the flour to the melted butter and garlic mixture.

Stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes. This mixture, called a roux, helps thicken the sauce.

Cooking the flour briefly removes the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth sauce.

Step 6: Building the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps from forming.

Next, add the heavy cream and milk.

Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and begins to gently simmer.

Allow the sauce to cook for about 3–4 minutes until it starts to thicken.

Step 7: Adding Cheese

Lower the heat slightly to prevent the cheese from separating.

Gradually add the shredded Italian blend cheese while stirring constantly.

Then add the grated parmesan cheese.

Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and creamy.

Step 8: Seasoning the Sauce

Add the following seasonings:

  • Italian seasoning
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes (optional)

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

The sauce should be creamy, cheesy, and slightly herbaceous.

Step 9: Combining the Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce.

Next, return the cooked chicken to the pan.

Gently toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 10: Adding Optional Vegetables

If you want to add vegetables, now is the time.

You can stir in:

  • steamed broccoli
  • sautéed mushrooms
  • fresh spinach
  • cherry tomatoes

Allow everything to cook together for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 11: Final Cooking

Let the pasta simmer gently for another 2 minutes so the flavors blend together.

The sauce should coat the pasta evenly, creating a creamy and cohesive dish.

Step 12: Garnishing and Serving

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta.

Add extra parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and creamy.

Flavor Profile

This dish delivers a rich and comforting combination of flavors:

  • Creamy richness from the cheese sauce
  • Savory depth from seasoned chicken
  • Herbaceous notes from Italian seasoning
  • Garlicky aroma from sautéed garlic
  • Smooth texture from melted cheese

Every bite is warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken Penne pairs well with lighter side dishes that balance the richness.

Some excellent options include:

Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Roasted asparagus
Steamed green beans
Caprese salad

Tips for the Best Results

Use freshly grated cheese

Fresh cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese and creates a smoother sauce.

Do not boil the cream sauce

High heat can cause the dairy to separate.

Cook pasta al dente

The pasta will continue absorbing sauce after mixing.

Season in layers

Season the chicken, sauce, and final dish for the best flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Stir gently until heated through.

Microwaving also works, but stir halfway through for even heating.

Variations

This recipe can be customized in many ways.

Spicy Chicken Penne

Add cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes.

Garlic Parmesan Version

Increase the garlic and parmesan for stronger flavor.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.

Mushroom Chicken Penne

Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Penne with Italian Blend Cheese is the perfect comfort food pasta. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked penne creates a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and familiar.

This dish is simple enough for weeknight cooking but rich enough to serve for special occasions. With its creamy texture, savory flavor, and customizable ingredients, it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Once you master the basic technique of building the sauce and combining it with pasta and chicken, you can easily adapt the recipe to create many delicious variations.

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