Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
Add herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano would be great additions to this dish. Add them to the skillet along with the garlic.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Cheese: Use a different type of cheese, such as Asiago or Gruyere, instead of Parmesan.
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Enjoy your creamy chicken penne! Let me know if you have any other questions.
