One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

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When comfort food calls, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne answers with bold flavor, a velvety sauce, and juicy, perfectly seared chicken. It’s a creamy, dreamy dinner that’s effortlessly made in just one pot—ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday cravings.

The penne pasta absorbs all the rich, cheesy goodness of the garlic-Parmesan sauce while staying tender with just the right bite. Paired with golden brown chicken seasoned to perfection and a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes, this dish is the kind of satisfying meal that gets rave reviews from the whole table.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This dish brings together the best of both worlds: creamy decadence and no-fuss cleanup. Every bite of pasta is coated in a luscious sauce made from real cream, garlic, and nutty Parmesan. The chicken, seared until beautifully golden, adds protein and heartiness without overpowering the pasta.

You’ll love how everything comes together in just one pot, making both prep and cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night in, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe fits every scenario with ease and flavor.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this dish. They’re lean, cook quickly, and take on the flavor of the creamy garlic sauce beautifully. If you prefer even juicier meat, boneless chicken thighs can be substituted.

Want to save time? You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken—just add it at the end and let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to soak up all that creamy goodness.

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Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This dish is all about combining simple ingredients that work magic together. Each element is essential in building layers of flavor, from the creamy sauce to the juicy chicken.

• Chicken breasts: These are the protein heart of the dish, seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection.
• Olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic provides the backbone of the creamy sauce with its bold aroma.
• Heavy cream: The base of the sauce, giving it that irresistible richness and smooth texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best, adding nuttiness and that signature cheesy depth.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps cook the pasta evenly in one pot.
• Penne pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
• Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance every component.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they give the dish a little kick and extra flavor.
• Fresh parsley: A bright and fresh finishing touch that balances the richness.

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How To Make the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, all in one pot. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add in the uncooked penne pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Simmer uncovered for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Slice and Combine

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back into the pan. Stir to coat with the sauce or lay over the pasta for presentation.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top before serving.

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Serving and Storing One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This indulgent pasta dish is rich and satisfying enough to be the star of your dinner table. It feeds approximately 4 people generously, making it great for family meals or small gatherings. Serve it hot straight from the pot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for added flair.

Leftovers? This pasta stores wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

You can even freeze it for up to a month—just know the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing. Stir well when reheating to bring it back together.

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What to Serve With One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Looking to round out your meal? These sides make perfect partners for this creamy pasta.

1. Garlic Bread

Buttery, crispy garlic bread is a classic pairing that helps you scoop up every drop of sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the pasta. Go for a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Its charred edges and earthy flavor add both color and nutrition to your plate.

4. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil add a fresh Italian touch.

5. Sautéed Spinach

Lightly wilted spinach with garlic and olive oil makes for a healthy, flavorful side.

6. Lemon Asparagus

Roasted or steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish.

7. Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Oven-roasted until crisp and caramelized, these add texture and balance.

8. Antipasto Skewers

For a fun starter, skewer olives, marinated artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and cheese cubes.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne, don’t stop here. We’ve got more satisfying pasta recipes with hearty flavors and creamy twists:

• Try our comforting Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole for a cheesy baked favorite.
• Need something quick but indulgent? The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
• Check out the Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne for a family-friendly classic.
• Add some seafood into your creamy dinners with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.
• Or warm up with our one-pan wonder Creamy Beef and Shells.

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📌 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 make it spicier? Swap the pasta type? Or maybe add in spinach or mushrooms?

I love seeing your delicious spins on these dishes. Don’t hesitate to share tips, tweaks, or questions—we’re all here to make weeknight cooking easier and more fun.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and comfort food twists on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to pasta favorites.

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