Description
If you’re craving a quick, comforting dinner idea that requires minimal cleanup, look no further than this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne. Juicy chicken is seared to golden perfection and paired with penne pasta, all simmered in a garlicky, creamy parmesan sauce. The best part? Everything comes together in just one pot, making it the perfect easy recipe for weeknights, cozy evenings, or simple family meal prep. Whether you’re after easy dinner recipes, food ideas for picky eaters, or just a satisfying pasta dish, this one checks every box.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
12 oz penne pasta
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts thinly and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower the heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic in the same pan until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then add heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add uncooked penne pasta to the sauce. Stir, lower heat, cover, and cook for 13–15 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
6. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
7. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Let it heat through.
8. Garnish with parsley and red chili flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smooth, melt-in sauce—pre-shredded cheese can be grainy.
If sauce gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth or cream while reheating.
Let your chicken rest after cooking for maximum juiciness and easy slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¼ cup
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy chicken penne, garlic parmesan pasta, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food, pasta ideas