Name: Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste); Salt, to taste; 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)

When I think of comforting pasta dishes that never fail to impress, Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne is right at the top of my list. It’s one of those meals that brings a sense of warmth to the table — a creamy, peppery sauce clinging to tender penne, juicy bites of seasoned chicken, and a generous sprinkle of sharp Parmesan cheese. Every forkful feels like a little moment of indulgence, and the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to put together.

I first whipped up this dish on a cool autumn evening when I wanted something hearty yet quick. The robust flavor of cracked black pepper paired beautifully with Parmesan and a splash of cream, creating a sauce that instantly became a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to friends on the weekend, Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne is guaranteed to earn you compliments.

Why You’ll Love This Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne

This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet. The creamy pepper-Parmesan sauce is rich without being heavy, coating each piece of pasta and chicken with bold flavor. It’s also highly adaptable — you can dress it up with extra veggies or keep it classic and simple. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want something satisfying and homemade.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne, I usually opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and stay tender in the creamy sauce. If you prefer, boneless chicken thighs are another great option — they add a bit more richness and deeper flavor to the dish. The key is to season the chicken well and sear it until it’s golden and flavorful before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Options for Substitutions

One of the things I love about this recipe is how flexible it can be. If you’re out of an ingredient or want to customize it a bit, here are some easy substitutions:

Pasta: Penne is the classic choice, but rigatoni, farfalle, or even fettuccine will work beautifully.
Chicken: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even cooked Italian sausage for a different twist.
Cream: If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
Cheese: Parmesan is essential, but Pecorino Romano can add a slightly saltier, sharper note.
Vegetables: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Herbs: Fresh parsley is great, but basil or thyme would also complement the dish nicely.

Ingredients for This Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building rich flavor and creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Penne Pasta
The perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce in every bite. It’s sturdy and satisfying.
Chicken Breasts
Lean and tender, they soak up the seasoning and pair wonderfully with the Parmesan-pepper sauce.
Olive Oil
Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection and add a subtle richness to the dish.
Garlic
Brings a warm, aromatic base that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
Heavy Cream
The foundation of the silky sauce, giving it that irresistible, luscious texture.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds nutty, salty depth to the dish and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Cracked Black Pepper
The star of the flavor profile — it brings bold, peppery warmth to balance the creaminess.
Salt
Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce to bring out every flavor.
Cooked Bacon (optional but highly recommended)
Adds smoky, crispy bits that contrast perfectly with the creamy pasta.
Fresh Parsley
A bright, fresh garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining — this will help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant — be careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated. Stir in the sliced chicken and cooked bacon (if using), folding everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a final dusting of Parmesan. Serve hot, with extra cracked black pepper on the table.

How Long to Cook the Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne

The beauty of this dish is how quickly it comes together. Here’s a rough timeline to guide you:

Pasta: About 10–12 minutes to cook the penne to al dente.
Chicken: Roughly 10–12 minutes to sear and cook through.
Sauce: 5–7 minutes to bring the cream to a simmer, melt the Parmesan, and thicken.
Final Assembly: 2–3 minutes to toss everything together and warm through.

Altogether, you can expect the entire dish to be ready in about 30 minutes — making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Tips for Perfect Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating fresh Parmesan makes the sauce creamy and velvety.
Crack Your Own Pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper gives a much bolder and more aromatic flavor than pre-ground pepper. It’s worth the extra step!
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Searing the chicken until just cooked keeps it juicy. Letting it rest before slicing helps retain its moisture.
Reserve Pasta Water
This starchy water is a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency. Add a splash if the sauce thickens too much.
Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Rather than pouring sauce over pasta, toss it all together in the skillet. This ensures every bite is perfectly coated.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Chicken
This is a common pitfall. Keep an eye on the chicken while searing — once it’s golden and juices run clear, it’s done. Overcooked chicken will turn dry and tough.
Boiling the Cream
The cream should be gently simmered, not rapidly boiled. Boiling can cause it to separate or become grainy.
Skipping the Reserved Pasta Water
Pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and ensures it clings beautifully to the pasta. Don’t forget to set some aside before draining.
Using Pre-shredded Parmesan
It won’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce gritty. Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan.
Adding Too Much Pepper
While this dish celebrates black pepper, it’s easy to go overboard. Start with less and add more to taste.
Letting the Pasta Sit Too Long
Once combined, serve the pasta immediately — letting it sit too long can cause it to soak up too much sauce and become dry.

What to Serve With Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne?

Pairing this creamy, peppery pasta with the right sides really rounds out the meal. Here are some of my favorite options:

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.

2. Mixed Green Salad

A simple salad with vinaigrette adds a bright contrast to the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon brings freshness and balance.

4. Sautéed Spinach

Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic complements the creamy pasta beautifully.

5. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing counterpoint.

6. Grilled Zucchini

Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs nicely with the bold pepper-Parmesan sauce.

7. Steamed Broccoli

A simple, healthy side that adds texture and color to the plate.

8. Antipasto Platter

An assortment of cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables makes a fun starter.

Storage Instructions

Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne stores quite well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigerator: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as it reheats — the pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits.
Freezing: I don’t typically recommend freezing this dish because the cream sauce can become grainy when thawed. If you do choose to freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat gently, being mindful of texture changes.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe portion). Keep in mind values may vary depending on exact ingredients used:

Calories: ~550–600 kcal
Protein: ~35–40 g
Carbohydrates: ~45–50 g
Fat: ~25–30 g
Saturated Fat: ~12–15 g
Fiber: ~2–3 g
Sugar: ~2–3 g
Sodium: ~700–800 mg

This dish is rich and satisfying, so pairing it with lighter sides (like salad or veggies) helps balance the meal nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best if I don’t have penne?

While penne is my go-to for this dish, you can easily substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti — any pasta shape that holds sauce well will work.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Definitely. Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter sauce. You can also use less cheese or add extra vegetables to bulk up the dish.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure your Parmesan and any bacon used are gluten-free as well.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Stir in baby spinach, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli during the final steps. They blend beautifully with the creamy sauce.

What’s the best way to get a smooth sauce?

Use freshly grated Parmesan and keep the heat at a gentle simmer. Whisk continuously while adding the cheese to avoid clumping or separation.

How spicy is the pepper in this recipe?

The black pepper gives a noticeable warmth but not an overpowering heat. You can adjust the amount to your personal preference — start light and add more as you taste.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Just slice or shred the cooked chicken and add it during the final step to warm through in the sauce.

Conclusion

Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne is one of those magical dishes that feels both comforting and a bit indulgent — the creamy pepper-Parmesan sauce clings to tender pasta and juicy chicken in a way that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends, it’s a dish that always satisfies. I love how easy it is to customize with whatever pasta or veggies I have on hand, and it’s one recipe that consistently earns rave reviews around my table.