One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

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Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is what cozy dinner dreams are made of. With tender, golden-seared chicken laid over a bed of garlicky parmesan-swirled penne pasta, this dish doesn’t just satisfy—it soothes. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup as easy as dinner is delicious.

Perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining, this hearty pasta packs a punch of savory goodness in every bite. The sauce is silky, rich, and layered with garlic and herbs, while the penne holds onto all that creamy goodness. Plus, seared chicken strips bring that golden crust and juicy texture that balances the whole dish beautifully.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook quickly and evenly, and their mild flavor absorbs the garlic-parmesan sauce like a charm. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat and a more tender bite. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.

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Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

• Chicken Breast: The protein centerpiece of this dish, seared for a golden crust and juicy bite.
• Penne Pasta: Its tube shape catches all the creamy sauce, making each bite satisfying.
• Garlic: The star of the flavor base; fresh minced garlic brings out the bold, savory notes.
• Heavy Cream: The foundation of the creamy sauce—rich, thick, and decadent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the sauce and helps thicken it as it melts.
• Chicken Broth: Keeps the pasta moist and adds umami to balance the richness of the cream.
• Olive Oil + Butter: A mix for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic, giving flavor from the base up.
• Italian Seasoning + Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For layered warmth and a hint of heat.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate everything.

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How To Make the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet or deep pan, heat olive oil and a bit of butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic for the Flavor Base

In the same pan, lower the heat slightly and add a little more butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Finish and Combine

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix it gently into the pasta. Let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to marry the flavors. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, a dash of red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley before serving.

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Serving and Storing This Creamy Chicken Penne

This dish is best served hot and fresh, right off the stove. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp Caesar salad, or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! If you have leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, you can absolutely slice it and add it during the final step when combining everything.

What type of Parmesan should I use?

Freshly grated Parmesan works best. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties and adds the most flavor to the sauce.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. Full-fat coconut milk can also work for a dairy-free alternative.

How do I make it spicier?

To turn up the heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Will the pasta overcook?

As long as you stir occasionally and don’t walk away for too long, the pasta should turn out just right—tender but not mushy. If needed, add a bit more broth or cream to loosen things up.

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Want More Creamy Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious and comforting recipes next:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

These recipes bring big flavor with creamy sauces, one-pot convenience, and satisfying ingredients that your family will request again and again.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up? Add extra cheese? Use rotisserie chicken to save time?

I love hearing how you all make these recipes your own. If you want even more cozy and quick dinner ideas, check out my Pinterest board where I share recipes daily: Life with Nina Recipes on Pinterest

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