Description
Turn any dinner into a gourmet experience with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta—a rich, savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekend meals. Juicy pan-seared chicken, golden and flavorful, rests atop al dente penne pasta tossed in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. This easy dinner idea brings comfort and elegance to the table with simple pantry ingredients. It’s one of the best quick dinner recipes, great for anyone looking for easy pasta dishes, chicken dinner ideas, or food ideas for the family. Whether you’re craving a creamy chicken recipe or just need dinner inspiration, this one satisfies every time.
Ingredients
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
12 ounces penne pasta
Water and salt for boiling
1 tablespoon butter (for pasta)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
4 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
½ cup reserved pasta water
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon butter, and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with black pepper, salt, and nutmeg if using.
7. Stir in a splash of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
8. Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
9. Plate the pasta and top with whole or sliced chicken thighs. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan.
10. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water—it helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to lock in juices and maintain tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 730
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, parmesan chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, penne pasta