35 Chicken Penne Pasta Recipes
Chicken penne pasta is the weeknight dinner hero that never disappoints—creamy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a classic Alfredo or something with a Mediterranean twist, these 35 recipes prove there’s always a new way to love this timeless combination.
1. Classic Creamy Chicken Penne
Source: twopeasandtheirpod.com
This is the recipe that started it all—tender pasta coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce with shredded chicken. One bite explains why it’s remained a family favorite for decades.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Penne
Source: juliasalbum.com
Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy depth that transforms ordinary penne into something restaurant-worthy. The slightly chewy texture of the tomatoes makes every forkful interesting.
3. Garlic Butter Chicken Penne
Source: delish.com
When you keep it simple with golden garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, the chicken really shines through. This elegant yet effortless dish feels fancy enough for company.
4. Spinach Feta Chicken Penne
Source: genevafi.com
Wilted spinach and crumbly feta cheese create a Mediterranean vibe that’s both healthy and indulgent. The feta adds a salty punch that keeps you coming back for seconds.
5. Pesto Chicken Penne
Source: budgetbytes.com
Fresh basil pesto coats every inch of pasta and chicken with bright, herbaceous flavor. Use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time—it’s still delicious.
6. Tuscan Chicken Penne
Source: girlgonegourmet.com
This version combines sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, cream, and garlic into one swoon-worthy dish that tastes like Italy in a bowl. The combination of flavors is almost addictive.
7. Lemon Herb Chicken Penne
Source: butterandbaggage.com
Bright lemon juice and fresh herbs cut through the richness of pasta and cream with zingy perfection. It’s lighter than traditional versions but still completely satisfying.
8. Cajun Spiced Chicken Penne
Source: thereciperebel.com
Cajun seasoning brings heat and smoky depth to this Southern-inspired pasta dish. The spice level is bold but balanced, making it thrilling without being overwhelming.
9. Mushroom Chicken Penne
Source: cookingmadehealthy.com
Earthy sautéed mushrooms partner beautifully with tender chicken and creamy sauce. The umami-rich mushrooms make this feel like comfort food at its finest.
10. Roasted Red Pepper Penne
Source: tasteofhome.com
Sweet roasted red peppers blended into the sauce create a naturally creamy, slightly sweet base. This pretty pink pasta is as delicious as it looks.
11. Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Penne
Source: thecozycook.com
Tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese make this feel like an elevated mac-and-cheese situation. It’s sneaky-healthy because nobody realizes how many vegetables they’re eating.
12. Caprese Chicken Penne
Source: wellnessbykay.com
Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil create a light, summery pasta that doesn’t need cream. It’s proof that the simplest ideas sometimes taste the best.
13. Bacon Chicken Penne
Source: allrecipes.com
Crispy bacon pieces scattered throughout add smokiness and crunch to every bite. If you love bacon as much as we do, this one’s non-negotiable.
14. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne
Source: cincyshopper.com
This is pure comfort—garlicky, cheesy, and ready in the time it takes pasta to boil. Finish with fresh cracked pepper and watch everyone ask for seconds.
15. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Penne
Source: thedistricttable.com
A tangy-sweet balsamic reduction gives this dish sophisticated flavor without much effort. The glaze caramelizes slightly on the warm pasta for extra complexity.
16. Vodka Sauce Chicken Penne
Source: tasteandsee.com
This creamy tomato sauce gets its signature smoothness (and name) from a splash of vodka. It’s indulgent, velvety, and tastes like a special-occasion dish.
17. Asparagus Chicken Penne
Source: allrecipes.com
Fresh asparagus spears tossed with pasta and a light garlic cream sauce scream springtime elegance. The veggie stays crisp-tender, adding wonderful texture contrast.
18. Artichoke Heart Penne
Source: juliasalbum.com
Marinated artichoke hearts bring a tangy, slightly briny flavor that makes this feel Mediterranean and sophisticated. They’re tender enough to cut with your fork.
19. Olive Tapenade Chicken Penne
Source: baronsmarket.com
Kalamata olive tapenade adds a bold, salty-briny note that transforms basic ingredients into something special. Use good-quality olives for the best flavor impact.
20. White Wine Chicken Penne
Source: deliciousmeetshealthy.com
A splash of white wine in the cream sauce adds acidity and elegance that balances the richness. The sauce reduces beautifully and coats the pasta perfectly.
21. Jalapeño Cream Chicken Penne
Source: spoonfulofflavor.com
Diced jalapeños stirred into a creamy sauce create a spicy-cool contrast that’s genuinely exciting. Adjust the heat level by using fewer peppers or removing the seeds.
22. Cherry Tomato Burst Penne
Source: fromvalerieskitchen.com
Cherry tomatoes blister and burst in the pan, releasing their sweet juices into the sauce. The result is bursts of intense tomato flavor throughout the dish.
23. Piccata Chicken Penne
Source: cravinghomecooked.com
Tossing penne with piccata-style chicken (lemon, capers, butter) creates a bright, tangy dish that feels restaurant-quality. The capers add wonderful little pops of briny flavor.
24. Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Penne
Source: hy-vee.com
Prosciutto-wrapped chicken adds a salty, elegant touch that elevates the entire dish. It renders as it cooks, infusing the pasta with subtle smoky-salty goodness.
25. Honey Mustard Chicken Penne
Source: afoodloversdelight.com
Sweet honey balances tangy mustard in a sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This slightly sweet-savory combo is genuinely addictive.
26. Walnut Crusted Chicken Penne
Source: californiagrown.org
Walnuts add a crunchy, nutty texture when tossed with creamy pasta and chicken. This unexpected ingredient swap adds depth and makes the dish feel special.
27. Buffalo Chicken Penne
Source: thecozycook.com
If you love wings, you’ll flip for this spicy, buttery pasta version. Drizzle with blue cheese dressing for the ultimate flavor experience.
28. Caramelized Onion Chicken Penne
Sweet, jammy caramelized onions add depth and richness to this understated dish. They’re the secret ingredient that makes people ask what you did differently.
29. Pumpkin Cream Chicken Penne
Source: hereinthemidst.com
Pumpkin purée creates a naturally creamy, slightly sweet sauce that’s perfect for fall. It’s more sophisticated than it sounds and works year-round.
30. Dijon Mustard Chicken Penne
Source: firsthomelovelife.com
Whole-grain Dijon mustard brings mustardy tang and interesting texture to a simple cream sauce. It’s the kind of ingredient that makes people compliment your cooking.
31. Ricotta Chicken Penne
Source: somethingwithflavour.com
Creamy ricotta stirred into the pasta creates a lighter, fluffier sauce than heavy cream alone. Fresh ricotta makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
32. Walnut Pesto Chicken Penne
Source: savoryonline.com
Walnut pesto (instead of traditional pine nut) offers a nutty, budget-friendly alternative that’s equally delicious. The walnuts add earthiness and substance.
33. Creamy Tomato Chicken Penne
Source: allrecipes.com
A blend of fresh tomatoes and cream creates a sauce that’s bright yet luxurious. This is the definition of crowd-pleasing comfort food.
34. Sage Brown Butter Chicken Penne
Source: mygourmetconnection.com
Nutty brown butter infused with crispy sage leaves brings autumn-inspired sophistication to your Tuesday dinner. The sage’s earthy notes pair beautifully with chicken.
35. Herb Garden Chicken Penne
Source: krollskorner.com
A medley of fresh herbs—basil, parsley, dill, chives—creates a fragrant, vibrant sauce. If you have fresh herbs on hand, this is the recipe to use them in.
