One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

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Nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy pasta after a long day, especially when it only takes one pot to make and explodes with comforting flavor. One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is a weeknight dream: tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. And the best part? Fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy.

This dish brings together everything you love about comfort food with none of the fuss. The sauce is rich without being heavy, the garlic is bold but smooth, and the parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken and al dente pasta. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it always leaves a clean plate behind.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

You’ll love this recipe for how effortlessly it comes together in just one pan. It saves you time on cleanup and delivers a flavor that feels like it simmered for hours. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish fits the bill with simple pantry ingredients and crowd-pleasing taste. Plus, it’s super customizable — toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to make it your own. From start to finish, the recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this dish, penne is the star because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce like a dream. Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells are also great because they cook evenly and hold sauce well. Longer noodles like spaghetti tend to clump and cook unevenly in one-pot dishes due to limited space for movement, making them less ideal.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This dish comes together with ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and pantry. Each one plays a key role in making the sauce silky and the flavor unforgettable.

• Chicken breast – Boneless and skinless, this lean protein is diced into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and soak up the sauce.
• Olive oil – For searing the chicken and creating a flavorful base.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with savory depth.
• Chicken broth – Adds moisture and a savory backbone to the sauce.
• Milk – Helps create a creamy texture without making the dish too heavy.
• Heavy cream – Gives the sauce its rich and luscious finish.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for that nutty, salty kick that thickens and flavors the sauce.
• Penne pasta – Cooks directly in the broth and cream, soaking up every drop of flavor.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce just right.
• Parsley – Optional, for a pop of color and fresh herbal note.

How To Make the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Saute the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and stir just until fragrant. This step builds the base of your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the uncooked penne. Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce (about 13-15 minutes).

Step 4: Add Chicken and Parmesan

Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the freshly grated parmesan. Let everything simmer together for another few minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot straight from the pot for the ultimate comfort food experience.

How to Serve and Store This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a couple of meals prepped ahead. Serve it hot and creamy straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top for even more cheesy goodness. If you’re making it for a gathering, transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley to make it look extra inviting.

To store, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess as it tends to thicken. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or microwave at 50% power to avoid breaking the sauce.

What to Serve With One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

The crispy, buttery edges of garlic bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted with olive oil and a touch of lemon, broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and balances the richness of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

A chilled Caesar with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing brings freshness and contrast to the creamy pasta.

Sautéed Green Beans

Tossed in a little garlic and olive oil, green beans make a simple but vibrant side dish.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Slightly sweet and crispy, these pair well with the savory parmesan notes in the pasta.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella lighten the meal with juicy brightness.

White Wine

A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the cream and complements the garlic flavors.

Lemon-Herb Asparagus

The zing of lemon and fresh herbs brings a clean and bright balance to this indulgent main course.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy penne, you might want to check out these other Luna Meals favorites:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni with rich depth and smoky flavor.
• Easy Chicken with Zucchini Corn Garlic Sauce for a fresh and colorful one-skillet wonder.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna when you’re in the mood for seafood indulgence.
• Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri for bold, herbaceous flavor and hearty satisfaction.
• Low Carb Chicken Casserole to lighten things up without losing comfort.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or some spinach? Did you use a different type of pasta?

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

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Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With one pan, under 30 minutes, and a few everyday ingredients, you get a hearty and flavor-packed dinner that keeps everyone at the table happy. Whether it’s your first time making it or it becomes a weekly favorite, this dish delivers every time.

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