Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort dinner—juicy pan-seared chicken thighs paired with rich, garlicky parmesan sauce and perfectly coated pasta. A one-skillet meal that’s creamy, savory, and irresistibly cheesy.
Ingredients
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
12 ounces rigatoni or penne pasta
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese. Simmer until thickened.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water and drain.
6. Toss pasta into the sauce, adding pasta water if needed to loosen. Stir to coat.
7. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and melt—it makes the sauce smoother and more flavorful.
Don’t skip drying the chicken—it helps achieve that golden sear.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency after mixing in the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 42
- Saturated Fat: 22
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 160