One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal without all the cleanup, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne delivers on every front. It brings together tender chicken, rich cream, and a luxurious amount of Parmesan cheese all married with penne pasta, cooked to perfection in one pot. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but decadent enough to serve to guests.

The creamy garlic sauce clings to every bite, and the subtle tang of Parmesan adds depth that’s irresistible. This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger, it creates comfort in a bowl. No need to juggle multiple pans or spend hours over the stove—just one pot and about 30 minutes are all it takes to bring this flavor-packed dinner to the table.

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

This dish is a weeknight hero. You get maximum flavor with minimal effort, and since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is blissfully easy. The sauce is velvety without being too heavy, and the combination of garlic and Parmesan is just rich enough to feel indulgent without going overboard. Plus, it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Penne is ideal here because its tube shape holds onto the creamy sauce in the best way. That said, you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair—they tend to get mushy in one-pot recipes. Stick to short, sturdy shapes for the best texture.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This dish calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that together create something magical. The creamy sauce, the juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all depend on each component pulling its weight in flavor.

• Chicken breast – Lean and tender, this is the star protein that soaks up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness.
• Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken and adds a light fruity base to the dish.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is essential for that signature aroma and flavor.
• Chicken broth – Adds depth and savory richness to the sauce while helping cook the pasta.
• Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, creamy texture that binds everything together.
• Parmesan cheese – The sharper, the better. It brings that salty umami flavor that defines the dish.
• Penne pasta – Cooks in the same pot and absorbs all the flavors from the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper – Season the dish just right, highlighting every other flavor.
• Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

How To Make the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back in along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The simplicity of a one-pot dish doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. One common pitfall is overcooking the pasta. Since it cooks directly in the broth, it can easily go from al dente to mushy if not watched closely. Set a timer and stir often.

Another mistake is adding the Parmesan too quickly or over high heat. This can lead to clumps instead of a smooth, creamy sauce. Make sure to reduce the heat before stirring it in. And don’t skip seasoning—tasting as you go ensures every layer has flavor.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

This dish is best served hot, straight from the pot with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top. It feeds about four people comfortably. Pair it with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain the creamy texture.

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

Garlic Bread

Buttery, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and tangy dressing contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Steamed Broccoli

Add a healthy green to the plate to balance the richness of the dish.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their earthy flavor adds a nice depth and contrast.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes and mozzarella bring a bright, fresh note to the meal.

Sauteed Green Beans

Keep it simple and fresh with lightly cooked green beans and lemon zest.

Crusty Artisan Bread

If garlic bread feels too rich, plain crusty bread works just as well.

Lemon Arugula Salad

A citrusy salad helps cut through the creamy sauce and adds freshness.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne, there are more cozy, creamy meals waiting for you to try:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a rich, Italian-inspired dish.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you want that garlic-Parmesan flavor without the pasta.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a seafood twist with the same creamy comfort.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s full of bold flavor and a velvety finish.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti when you need hands-off cooking but still want big flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 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 add mushrooms or switch up the pasta? Did you go heavy on the garlic or sprinkle extra cheese on top?

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 weeknight dinners can be indulgent without being complicated. It’s cozy, quick, and packed with flavor—exactly what comfort food should be. Whether you’re feeding family or just looking for leftovers that actually excite you, this dish checks all the boxes.

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