Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 ounces penne pasta; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for comfort food that feels like a big, warm hug yet only needs one pan, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne will become your new weeknight hero. Tender strips of golden chicken snuggle into a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, with every bite of penne pasta packed with savory flavor. It’s the best kind of home-cooked magic—rich, filling, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, with minimal cleanup to boot!

One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is chosen to maximize flavor and create that unforgettable creamy finish. No mystery items or extra steps—just simple, dependable ingredients that truly shine in this dish.

Chicken Breasts: Sliced thin so they cook quickly and stay perfectly tender in your sauce.
Olive Oil: Lends a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve that beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
Butter: Adds richness and that unmistakable creamy base for your sauce.
Garlic: Don’t hold back—fresh minced garlic is the flavor backbone of this dish!
Chicken Broth: Brightens and deepens the savory notes of the sauce; low-sodium is best so you can control saltiness.
Heavy Cream: For an ultra-velvety, luscious texture that coats every bite.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty, irresistible flavor—use the good stuff for best results.
Italian Seasoning: An easy way to get complex, herby flavor in one quick sprinkle.
Penne Pasta: The classic shape that soaks up all that creamy sauce—no need to pre-cook!
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the underlying notes.
Black Pepper: A little warmth to balance out the creaminess.
Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant finish if you want a pop of color and herbal brightness.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat that makes the flavors sing.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat your olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This combo gives you the best of both worlds—rich flavor from the butter and the perfect searing power from the oil. Add your thinly sliced chicken, season it generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until beautifully golden. Once the chicken is looking irresistible, remove it and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In that same flavorful pot, add another small pat of butter if anything is sticking. Toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. The aroma will let you know: you’re about to have something truly delicious!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

Slowly pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom—they’re liquid gold for flavor. Once the broth is bubbling gently, add in your heavy cream. Let everything come to a delicate simmer; resist the urge to boil, so your cream stays beautifully smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Now for the magic of One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne: add your uncooked penne straight into the bubbling sauce. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the penne is perfectly al dente and the sauce has thickened to that dreamy texture.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Warm the Chicken

Turn off the heat and scatter in your freshly grated Parmesan. Stir until it melts into the sauce, making every nook and cranny utterly creamy. Return your cooked chicken (and any juices left on the plate) to the pot, then stir to coat everything evenly. Let it all mingle for a couple of minutes just to warm the chicken all the way through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot

For the finishing touches, sprinkle over plenty of chopped parsley and, if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne piping hot—watch as everyone immediately swoops in for seconds.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Garnishes

Dust your dish with extra Parmesan for that irresistible salty finish, a shower of chopped fresh parsley for color, and a light scatter of red pepper flakes for those who love a gentle kick. You can also add a drizzle of good olive oil or even a bit of lemon zest for brightness.

Side Dishes

This main course is so rich and satisfying, it really doesn’t need much on the side. But if you like, a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies will add a fresh counterpoint. Warm garlic bread is also an all-time favorite for mopping up every last drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne family-style straight from the pot for ultimate coziness, or plate it up in shallow pasta bowls and top with extra garnishes for a bistro-worthy moment. For a party, portion into ramekins with a sprinkle of Parmesan and broil for a few minutes to create a delicious cheesy crust on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Properly stored in the fridge, One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually develop even more overnight.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, but if you need to freeze, let the dish cool fully and pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers. For best results, defrost overnight in the fridge, and know that the sauce might need a quick stir and splash of cream or milk to revive its texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little extra broth, cream, or even a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works in short bursts as well, stirring in between intervals to keep things creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for soaking up sauce, you can easily swap in rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli. Just make sure to monitor cooking time, as different shapes may need a minute more or less.

How can I make One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt, but your sauce will be a bit thinner. It’ll still be tasty and satisfying if you want a lighter touch!

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Toss in some baby spinach, steamed broccoli, or halved cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition. Frozen peas are also an easy add-in that won’t increase your cooking time.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop with a little added liquid (cream, broth, or milk), stirring until creamy again. Avoid high heat so the sauce doesn’t separate.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

It’s best to use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melt and flavor. Pre-grated varieties sometimes contain additives that prevent smooth melting, but in a pinch, they’ll still work if that’s all you have.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is the sort of soul-satisfying meal that turns any night into something special. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how easy it is to pull off and how deliciously indulgent every bite tastes!

One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of garlic and Italian seasoning.

Instructions

Heat olive oil and butter: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add chicken: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté garlic: In the same pot, cook minced garlic in butter until fragrant.
Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth, simmer, then add heavy cream and bring to a bubble.
Cook pasta: Add penne into the sauce, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes.
Finish dish: Stir in Parmesan until melted, then return chicken to warm through.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian