When you’re craving something rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is your answer. Juicy, seared chicken breast slices rest on a bed of penne pasta enveloped in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with ease in one pot. Perfect for weeknights but fancy enough for a weekend dinner.

The best part? There’s no need to juggle multiple pans or dirty half your kitchen. This recipe keeps things simple with minimal cleanup and maximum taste. With the pasta cooked right in the creamy sauce, every bite is infused with garlic, herbs, and cheesy goodness.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly, slice beautifully, and soak up all that garlicky cream sauce. If you prefer, chicken thighs can be swapped in for a richer bite.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Chicken Breasts: Sliced into thin strips and seared until golden, they’re the star protein.
Olive Oil & Butter: A blend that helps brown the chicken and forms the flavor base for the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that bold, aromatic punch.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and enhances the savory notes.
Heavy Cream: Brings the luscious creaminess we’re after.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish its classic appeal.
Penne Pasta: Holds up well in creamy sauces and cooks right in the pot.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.
Parsley & Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For garnish and a subtle kick.

How To Make the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, add a touch more butter if needed and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle bubble. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked penne pasta straight into the cream mixture. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 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. It will melt beautifully into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the seared chicken to the pot. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy deliciousness!

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Pasta

Serve this dish hot, straight from the pot for maximum creaminess. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables if you want to balance the richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top is never a bad idea.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back that creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich but still tasty.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work great, just make sure to adjust the cook time accordingly.

Is it okay to add vegetables?

Yes! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes when you sauté the garlic or simmer the pasta.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

This recipe is best fresh, but you can cook the chicken in advance and refrigerate. Reheat everything together just before serving.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Asiago or Romano are great substitutes that melt well and offer a similar sharpness.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth and Parmesan labels.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you enjoyed this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne, here are more creamy and savory recipes you’ll love:

Looking for more? Explore daily pasta inspiration and comfort food favorites on my Pinterest: Life with Jam

📌 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 with extra red pepper? Toss in mushrooms or spinach?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is the perfect blend of cozy and quick. With juicy seared chicken and penne pasta cooked right in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a complete comfort meal in just one pot. Ideal for weeknights and indulgent enough for entertaining, this is a pasta recipe you’ll come back to again and again.