Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a swoon-worthy pasta dish that brings crispy, golden chicken together with tender pasta all swirled in a luscious, creamy sauce, you’ve struck gold with this Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce. This recipe elevates simple weeknight ingredients into something truly spectacular: juicy, tender chicken with a shatteringly crisp crust, dreamy garlic cream sauce, and penne pasta that catches every drop. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a special homemade dinner, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item on this ingredient list plays a key role: think of the crunchy Parmesan crust, a silky sauce that clings to every bite, and a fresh finish. Gather these staples and get ready for a flavor-packed journey that’s way easier than it looks.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2): The perfect canvas for our crispy crust—slice them after baking for beautiful presentation.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): This creates that irresistible, savory crunch and melts into the crust as it bakes.
• Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): They team up with the Parmesan to form that golden, addictive coating.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds needed richness when searing, helping the crust get gloriously crisp.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic makes the sauce pop with savory aroma and depth.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): The base for our dreamy, velvety sauce—don’t substitute with milk for this one!
• Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds body and boosts the sauce’s savory notes without overpowering the creaminess.
• Cooked penne pasta (2 cups): Penne’s shape is ideal for capturing all the sauce and flavor, making every bite perfect.
• Salt and pepper to taste: The straightforward, essential seasonings that tie everything together.
• Fresh basil for garnish: A shower of basil at the end makes the whole dish pop with color and freshness.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked inside, while that crust remains ultra-crisp. As the oven heats, lay out your ingredients and get ready for assembly—it makes everything run smoother later on.

Step 2: Create the Parmesan Breadcrumb Crust

On a large plate, mix together the grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs. This combo is your ticket to the “wow” factor—the nutty cheese and crisp breadcrumbs fuse into a deliciously crunchy coating. Season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then press them into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every inch is covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the crusted chicken breasts, letting each side cook for about four minutes. Resist moving them too soon; this helps them form a glorious, golden-brown crust. The aim here is flavor and texture—don’t rush!

Step 4: Finish Chicken in the Oven

Transfer the golden chicken to a baking dish and slide it into your hot oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. The oven finish keeps the chicken juicy inside and crackly outside—just how we want it in our Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce.

Step 5: Simmer the Creamy Sauce

Don’t clean out the skillet—instead, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute to unlock its aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any caramelized bits on the pan bottom (they’re packed with flavor!). Let the mixture simmer for five minutes, reducing ever-so-slightly into a glossy, rich sauce.

Step 6: Toss Pasta with Sauce

Now add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing until every tube is coated in that silky, garlicky cream sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper, if desired. This moment is where the dish really comes together—you’ll see the sauce clinging to the pasta, ready for the big finish.

Step 7: Bring it All Together

Slice the baked chicken into strips and arrange over the creamy penne. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a bright burst of flavor and color. Grab your forks—for a dish as inviting as this Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce, you’ll want to dig in immediately!

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce

Garnishes

Go for a shower of freshly torn basil or even a few extra ribbons of Parmesan on top. The aromatic herbs wake up the creamy richness, while the cheese adds a savory pop and beautiful contrast to the golden chicken and sauce.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and vibrant: a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or roasted asparagus both pair delightfully, cutting through the richness of the Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are always popular for sopping up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, try plating each serving in shallow bowls with a little nest of penne, topped by perfectly fanned slices of chicken and a small basil sprig. For family-style dining, bring the skillet or a large platter straight to the table—everyone will love helping themselves to their favorite parts of this show-stopping dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish holds up well for two to three days; just keep the chicken and pasta together to avoid drying out.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce can change texture after freezing, you can still portion the penne and chicken together in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk a splash of cream into the sauce when reheating to revive its silkiness.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or broth, if needed, to loosen the sauce. Slicing the chicken before reheating helps it warm through more evenly while keeping the crust as firm as possible.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and a richer flavor. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness for the crispiest coating and bake until they reach a safe internal temperature.

How do I keep the crust crispy?

For maximum crunch, avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing and don’t cover the chicken with foil while baking. Let the crusted chicken rest on a wire rack after baking if you aren’t serving immediately.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

For a somewhat lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half, though it won’t be quite as velvety. Greek yogurt adds tang but should be stirred in off-heat to prevent curdling; the classic creamy version is still unbeatable for indulgence!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—just swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and your favorite gluten-free penne to keep that iconic taste and texture. Double-check your chicken broth for hidden gluten, too.

What’s the best way to reheat Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce for leftovers?

To keep the chicken crust crispy and the pasta creamy, slice the chicken and gently rewarm everything in a skillet with an extra splash of cream or broth. Cover loosely and stir frequently so nothing dries out, and serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a meal that’s both special enough for guests and easy enough for a weeknight, Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Penne with Creamy Sauce is your new best friend. Make it once and it’ll quickly become a favorite—so don’t be surprised if you catch yourself craving it on repeat!