Description
If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, *Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta* checks every box. This easy dinner idea features golden seared chicken cutlets smothered in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce, tossed with cheesy penne pasta. It’s the kind of quick comfort food that feels like it came from a fancy bistro—only you made it at home. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, this recipe is a satisfying fusion of creamy, cheesy richness and tender, juicy protein. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas, easy pasta recipes, or food ideas to wow your family, this dish delivers.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
12 ounces penne pasta
Salt for pasta water
4 garlic cloves finely minced
1.5 cups heavy cream (room temperature)
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
0.25 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley or basil chopped
Extra parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 0.25 cup pasta water before draining.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and creamy.
6. Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
7. Slice rested chicken and place on top of pasta or fold in.
8. Garnish with herbs and extra parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Pound chicken to even thickness for faster and more even cooking.
Grate your own cheese for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.
Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ to 1½ cups
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, parmesan chicken, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe