Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of peppery heat, this Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne is a dream for pasta lovers. It brings together tender penne pasta, golden seared chicken, crisp bacon, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce—all speckled with freshly ground black pepper for a punch of flavor in every bite. It’s comfort food turned gourmet with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The richness of the sauce is balanced beautifully by the savory bacon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, making it feel indulgent yet homey. Whether you’re craving something cozy or need a quick crowd-pleaser, this creamy chicken penne hits all the right notes.

Ingredients for this Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus more for topping)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Fold in the crumbled bacon and sprinkle in the parsley. Season with additional pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and a generous twist of freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for added heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Yes! Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work well as substitutes for chicken.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese can be used for a lighter version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and make sure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the components (cook the pasta and chicken) ahead of time, but it’s best assembled fresh to preserve the creamy texture.

What vegetables can I add to this dish?

Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would be great additions to boost nutrition and flavor.

Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne

Author: Sophia Langley
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, soul-warming dinner idea, this Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Penne is your perfect match. This easy recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home, combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente penne in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. The addition of black pepper gives it just the right zing, making each bite irresistibly bold and comforting.

Whether you’re seeking a quick dinner fix or brainstorming new weeknight meal ideas, this flavorful pasta dish checks all the boxes. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and adaptable—add veggies, switch up the protein, or go big on the pepper for a spicy twist. Great for cozy nights in or casual get-togethers, this recipe is one to pin, print, and return to time and again.

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside.
In the same pan, add heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens.
Return pasta and chicken to skillet. Stir to coat in sauce. Add crumbled bacon and parsley.
Serve hot, topped with extra parsley and pepper. Optional: sprinkle red pepper flakes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner