Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipes for Dinner – 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Penne

Looking for easy creamy chicken pasta recipes for dinner that are delicious, comforting and simple to prepare? This creamy chicken pasta recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a satisfying homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Made with tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, garlic and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this recipe comes together in around 30 minutes.

You can also make this dish with millet-based pasta for a delicious alternative to conventional pasta. Pausht-Eat offers a variety of millet pasta options that can be used in recipes like this one.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta

This easy chicken pasta recipe is ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks.

• Ready in approximately 30 minutes

• Easy ingredients

• Perfect for weeknight dinner

• Creamy and flavorful

• High-protein chicken-based meal

• Easy to customize with vegetables

• Works beautifully with penne pasta

• Can be prepared with different types of pasta

• Great for family dinners

If you're searching for chicken pasta recipes for dinner, this is an easy recipe to add to your weekly meal rotation.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pasta

For the pasta

• 250 g penne pasta

• Water for boiling

• Salt as required

For a millet-based variation, you can try Pausht-Eat Millet Pasta and select the pasta variety you prefer.

For the chicken

• 300 g boneless chicken breast

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt to taste

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the creamy sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4–5 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 cup cooking cream

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt to taste

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Optional ingredients

You can also add:

• Mushrooms

• Spinach

• Broccoli

• Bell peppers

• Sweet corn

• Cherry tomatoes

• Chilli flakes

• Fresh parsley

How to Make Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.

Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve approximately ¼ cup of pasta water.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Tip: If you're using millet pasta, follow the cooking instructions on the specific product because cooking times can vary between varieties.

For example, you can try:

• Jowar Pasta

• Bajra Pasta

• Ragi Pasta

• Multi Millet Pasta

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces.

Season with salt, black pepper, paprika and Italian seasoning.

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

Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on the outside and completely cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Use the same skillet to prepare the sauce.

Add butter and olive oil.

Add the chopped garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.

Avoid burning the garlic because it can make the sauce bitter.

Add the cooking cream and milk.

Stir gently over medium-low heat.

Add black pepper, Italian seasoning and salt.

Step 4: Add Parmesan

Lower the heat and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.

The pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to coat the pasta more evenly.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Pasta

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Add the cooked penne pasta.

Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are coated with the creamy sauce.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes over low heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat.

Top with:

• Fresh parsley

• Grated Parmesan

• Black pepper

• Chilli flakes

Serve your creamy chicken pasta immediately.

Can You Make Creamy Chicken Pasta With Millet Pasta?

Absolutely.

One of the easiest ways to customize this recipe is to replace traditional pasta with a millet-based pasta.

Millets such as jowar, bajra, ragi, foxtail millet, kodo millet and little millet can be used to create different pasta dishes.

For example, you can try:

Jowar Pasta

Jowar-based pasta works well with creamy sauces because its mild flavor pairs nicely with garlic, herbs and Parmesan.

Explore Pausht-Eat Jowar Pasta →

Bajra Pasta

For a different millet option, try Pausht-Eat Bajra Pasta with the same creamy chicken sauce.

Ragi Pasta

Ragi pasta adds a distinctive earthy flavor to pasta recipes.

Try Pausht-Eat Ragi Pasta with garlic, chicken and creamy sauce.

Multi Millet Pasta

If you want to combine different millet ingredients, Pausht-Eat Multi Millet Pasta is another option for this recipe.

Foxtail Millet Pasta

You can also experiment with Pausht-Eat Foxtail Millet Pasta for a different texture and flavor.

Kodo Millet Pasta

Another option is Pausht-Eat Kodo Millet Pasta, which can be paired with creamy garlic-based sauces.

Best Pasta Shape for Creamy Chicken Pasta

Penne is one of the best pasta shapes for creamy chicken recipes.

Its ridges and hollow center allow the sauce to cling to the pasta, giving you creamy sauce in every bite.

You can also experiment with:

• Penne

• Macaroni

• Fusilli

• Rigatoni

• Fettuccine

For this particular recipe, penne is our recommended choice.

Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Variations

The basic recipe is easy to customize.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Add additional fresh garlic and a pinch of chilli flakes to create a stronger garlic flavor.

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pasta

Sauté sliced mushrooms before making the cream sauce and combine them with the chicken.

Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

Add fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Add a spoonful of basil pesto to the finished cream sauce.

Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta

Add red chilli flakes or paprika for a spicy version.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Increase the Parmesan and use a classic cream-based sauce for an Alfredo-style pasta dinner.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Healthier

If you want to make this dinner lighter, there are several simple changes you can make.

Add more vegetables

Add spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas or bell peppers.

Control the cream

Use less cream and replace part of it with milk.

Choose your pasta carefully

You can experiment with millet-based alternatives such as Ragi Pasta, Jowar Pasta or Multi Millet Pasta.

Add lean chicken

Boneless chicken breast is a convenient lean protein option for this recipe.

Remember that the overall nutritional profile depends on the ingredients, quantities and serving size used.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy chicken pasta can be served on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• Garlic bread

• Fresh green salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Sautéed spinach

• Grilled vegetables

• Tomato and cucumber salad

For a balanced dinner plate, consider serving a moderate portion of pasta alongside plenty of vegetables.

How to Store Leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta

Allow the pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator and consume it within a suitable food-safe period.

When reheating, add a small splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

Heat thoroughly before serving.

Cream-based sauces naturally become thicker after refrigeration, so adding a little liquid during reheating can improve the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the easiest creamy chicken pasta recipe for dinner?

An easy creamy chicken pasta can be made by cooking penne, pan-searing seasoned chicken and combining both with a simple garlic, cream and Parmesan sauce. The entire recipe can be prepared in around 30 minutes.

2. Can I make creamy chicken pasta in 30 minutes?

Yes. By cooking the pasta while preparing the chicken and sauce, you can have a complete creamy chicken pasta dinner ready in approximately 30 minutes.

3. What pasta is best for creamy chicken pasta?

Penne is an excellent choice because its shape and ridges hold creamy sauces well. Fettuccine, rigatoni, fusilli and macaroni can also be used.

4. Can I use millet pasta for creamy chicken pasta?

Yes. Millet pasta can be used instead of conventional pasta. Try Pausht-Eat Millet Pasta and choose a variety such as jowar, bajra, ragi, foxtail, kodo, little millet or multi millet pasta.

5. Is creamy chicken pasta good for dinner?

Yes. Creamy chicken pasta is a convenient and satisfying dinner because it combines pasta, chicken and a flavorful sauce in one meal.

6. Can I add vegetables to creamy chicken pasta?

Yes. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, bell peppers and sweet corn are all suitable additions.

7. How do I make creamy chicken pasta less heavy?

You can reduce the amount of cream and Parmesan, use some milk in the sauce, add more vegetables and control the serving size.

8. Why is my creamy pasta sauce too thick?

Cream-based sauces can thicken as they cook and after cooling. Add a small amount of reserved pasta water or milk and stir gently over low heat.

9. Can I make creamy chicken pasta without Parmesan?

Yes. Parmesan provides a rich, savory flavor but isn't absolutely necessary. You can adjust the seasoning or use another suitable cheese.

10. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes. Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast. They can provide a juicier texture and stronger flavor.

11. Can I prepare creamy chicken pasta ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the pasta and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a small amount of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

12. What can I serve with creamy chicken pasta?

Garlic bread, green salad, roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach and grilled vegetables are all good options.

Final Thoughts

This easy creamy chicken pasta recipe for dinner is a simple, comforting meal that can be prepared in around 30 minutes.

Tender chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked penne make this recipe a great choice for busy weeknights.

You can also change the recipe according to your preferences by adding mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, pesto or chilli flakes.

For a different pasta experience, try making the recipe with Pausht-Eat millet pasta, including jowar, bajra, ragi, foxtail, kodo or multi millet varieties.

Whether you're looking for a quick family dinner, an easy weeknight meal or a new way to enjoy millet pasta, this creamy chicken pasta recipe is an easy place to start.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Weeknight dinner

Ingredients

• 250 g penne pasta

• 300 g boneless chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 4–5 garlic cloves

• 1 cup cooking cream

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt to taste

• ¼ cup pasta water

Method

1. Cook pasta until al dente.

2. Reserve some pasta water and drain.

3. Season and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked.

4. Prepare the garlic cream sauce.

5. Add Parmesan and adjust the consistency with pasta water.

6. Add chicken and cooked pasta.

7. Toss until well coated.

8. Garnish and serve hot.