Creamy Chicken Cheese Pasta

This creamy chicken and cream cheese pasta is the cozy weeknight answer when you want pure comfort without fuss. Cream cheese creates an extra-rich sauce, while diced chicken and Parmesan pull everything together for a filling meal that feels special but only takes half an hour from start to finish.

I have made this on so many busy evenings and it never disappoints. I first cooked this on a rainy Tuesday when I had no plan for dinner. Every bite convinced me this would be a repeat meal.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: Makes the ideal base as its ridges catch the creamy sauce. Choose bronze-cut pasta for best texture
• Cooked chicken: Brings the dish together with protein and heartiness. Rotisserie or poached chicken works well for tender pieces
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and cooks the pasta right in the pot. Low-sodium broth lets you control seasoning
• Cream cheese: Lends the signature luscious creaminess. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best result but you can try reduced fat for a lighter version
• Grated Parmesan: Brings salty sharpness for complex flavor. Buy a wedge and grate fresh for best melt

Instructions

Boil the Pasta and Chicken:

Place uncooked penne and diced chicken in a large pot. Pour in the chicken broth making sure the pasta is fully covered. Set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Stir so nothing sticks. Once boiling reduce to a gentle simmer. Let cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth about ten to twelve minutes depending on the brand and shape of pasta. Taste a piece to check doneness before moving to the next step.

Melt in the Cheeses:

Once the pasta is tender cut the cream cheese into cubes for easier melting. Add the cream cheese and grated Parmesan directly into the pot. Use a spoon to stir gently and let the cheeses melt completely. The sauce will become thick and silky. Stir slowly from the bottom so nothing burns and scrape the sides to mix any cheese back in.

Adjust and Serve:

Taste the sauce and check the consistency. If it is too thick add a splash of broth or even a little milk to loosen it. Want a more intense cheese flavor Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving. Finish with ground black pepper or grated nutmeg if desired.

Parmesan is my favorite here because of its nutty kick. My kids always fight for the crispy bits stuck at the pot’s edge which to me is the best part.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce thickens as it chills so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to get that creamy texture back.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the penne for any sturdy short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli. If you only have uncooked chicken use bite-sized pieces and simmer until both the meat and pasta are perfectly done. For an herby twist stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a meal on its own but I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for brightness. Slices of garlic bread take it over the top for my family.

Cultural History

Creamy pasta dishes have roots in Italian American home cooking where accessible ingredients like cream cheese and cooked chicken were often used for comfort food. Over generations this kind of quick one-pot meal became a weeknight staple.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer toss in steamed peas or fresh cherry tomatoes. For fall sprinkle crispy fried sage or roasted mushrooms on top. During winter stir in wilted spinach for color and extra nutrition.

Success Stories

Friends have taken this recipe to potlucks and said it gets rave reviews every time. A neighbor made it for new parents as a freezer meal and it was a hit.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Freeze cooled pasta in single-serve portions for a fast future meal. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

This ultra-creamy chicken pasta will always be a household favorite. Try it on a busy weeknight and savor every cheesy bite.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Stir in spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms with the chicken for extra nutrition and flavor.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni hold sauce well and work as alternatives to penne.

→ What seasonings work beyond pepper or nutmeg?

Try garlic powder, Italian herbs, or a dash of smoked paprika for additional depth.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Portion into containers after cooling, and heat portions when ready to enjoy a quick meal.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone or ricotta can provide creaminess if you prefer a different cheese profile.