Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with buttery, herb-garlic chicken bites — pure comfort in a bowl!
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Servings: 4
Calories: ~820 per serving
Ingredients
For the Herb Garlic Chicken:
1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (thyme, oregano, basil)
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper
For the Cheesy Penne Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp butter
Salt & pepper
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, for consistency)
Optional Garnish:
Chopped fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Drizzle of herb butter
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Penne Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water → drain → set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Herb Garlic Chicken Bites
Heat olive oil + butter in a skillet (medium-high).
Add garlic → sauté 30 sec.
Add chicken + Italian herbs + paprika + salt + pepper.
Cook 6–8 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Cheesy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, and chili flakes.
Stir until creamy and smooth.
Add mozzarella + Parmesan → melt into a rich sauce.
Season and thin with pasta water if needed.
4️⃣ Combine Everything
Add cooked penne into the sauce → toss well.
Return golden chicken bites → fold gently to combine.
5️⃣ Serve & Garnish
Plate generously.
Top with parsley, extra Parmesan, and herb butter for the perfect finish