One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Save this recipe on:

There’s just something about creamy pasta that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is the kind of comfort food I crave after a long day, and the best part? It’s all made in one pot—less cleanup, more flavor, and faster satisfaction. The pasta soaks up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness as it cooks, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce without needing a second pot or a mountain of dishes.

I started making this dish on weeknights when I wanted something cozy but didn’t have the patience for a complex recipe. Now, it’s on regular rotation in my kitchen. The chicken is seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then nestled into a rich, silky parmesan sauce loaded with garlic and herbs. It’s simple, yet every bite tastes like you put in hours.

---

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

• All in one pot: Less cleanup, more convenience
• Big on flavor: Garlic, parmesan, herbs, and seared chicken = ultimate comfort
• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Perfectly creamy without needing heavy cream overload
• Versatile: Add veggies, swap proteins, or make it vegetarian

---

What Type of Chicken Works Best for One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne?

I always reach for boneless, skinless chicken breasts when making this dish—they cook quickly, stay juicy when seared properly, and slice beautifully over the pasta. But if you’re a fan of darker meat, boneless chicken thighs will bring even more richness to the final result. The key is to cook the chicken separately first to develop that golden, flavorful crust before letting it finish in the creamy sauce.

If you’re short on time or cooking for kids, you can even dice the chicken before searing—it’ll cook faster and make every bite spoon-ready with the pasta.

---

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re out of an ingredient or just looking to customize, here are some easy substitutions that keep the recipe delicious:

• Chicken: Swap with shrimp, turkey, or even plant-based chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Penne pasta: Rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli work just as well—any pasta that holds sauce nicely.
• Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago makes great alternatives if you want a sharper bite.
• Heavy cream: Half-and-half works fine; even whole milk with a bit of cream cheese can do the trick.
• Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch—use about ¾ tsp per clove.
• Butter: Can be swapped with olive oil or ghee for different flavor profiles.
• Add-ins: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms fit beautifully into this dish.

---

Ingredients for This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

• Chicken breasts
  Essential for protein and heartiness. When seared right, they bring a golden, savory crust that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Penne pasta
  Its hollow center and ridges hold the sauce beautifully, making every bite creamy and flavorful.
• Garlic cloves
  The foundation of flavor—fresh garlic infuses the dish with rich, aromatic depth.
• Parmesan cheese
  Gives the sauce its salty, nutty, and creamy character. It melts beautifully and adds umami richness.
• Heavy cream
  This is what gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety texture. It coats the pasta and chicken without being too heavy.
• Butter
  Used to sauté the garlic and add a base layer of flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken broth
  Adds depth and helps cook the pasta in the same pot while absorbing the savory flavors.
• Italian seasoning
  A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt and black pepper
  Simple but essential for seasoning and balance.
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
  Adds a little kick if you like a subtle heat in your creamy pasta.
• Fresh parsley (optional)
  Brightens the dish at the end and adds a pop of color.

---

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat a bit of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest—don’t slice it just yet.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot (don’t clean it—you want all those browned bits!), add a little more butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

---

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift up all the flavorful bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.

---

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the dry penne pasta. Let it cook uncovered in the creamy liquid, stirring occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly. If it gets too thick before the pasta is ready, just add a splash more broth.

---

Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan

Lower the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

---

Step 6: Slice and Add Chicken

Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and nestle them back into the creamy pasta. Let everything warm together for a minute or two so the flavors meld.

---

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for brightness and a touch of heat. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

---

How Long to Cook One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

The whole recipe comes together in about 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Searing the chicken: 8–10 minutes
• Sautéing garlic & building sauce: 5 minutes
• Cooking pasta in the sauce: 10–12 minutes
• Finishing and combining everything: 5–7 minutes

Because the pasta cooks right in the sauce, you’re saving time and building flavor all at once. No need to boil water separately or use a colander—easy and efficient.

---

Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

• Sear the chicken without crowding the pan: You want a nice golden crust. If needed, cook in batches.
• Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make your sauce grainy.
• Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking: This keeps it from sticking and helps it cook evenly in the sauce.
• Adjust the sauce with broth: If it thickens too much, don’t hesitate to loosen it with a splash of chicken broth.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing: This helps retain juices and keeps the meat tender.
• Finish with fresh parsley or herbs: It brings color and a fresh lift to the rich, creamy flavors.
• Taste and season last: Parmesan is salty, so wait until the end to adjust salt.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple one pot pasta can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overcooking the pasta: Since it cooks directly in the sauce, it’s easy to let it go too far. Keep an eye on it after the 10-minute mark.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Stick to freshly grated parmesan for a creamy sauce.
• Crowding the chicken while searing: This causes steaming instead of browning. If your pot isn’t wide enough, sear in batches.
• Not deglazing the pan: Those browned bits at the bottom are flavor gold. Scrape them up with the broth for a deeper, richer sauce.
• Adding cheese when the sauce is too hot: High heat can cause parmesan to clump or separate. Reduce the heat first, then stir it in gently.
• Skipping the rest time for chicken: Cutting into it too early releases all the juices—let it rest for at least 5 minutes.

---

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

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with arugula, spinach, or romaine dressed in a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

Garlic Bread or Focaccia

Because who doesn’t want to soak up extra sauce with something warm and crusty?

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

The roasted, slightly charred veggies add texture and a nice counterbalance to the creamy pasta.

Caprese Skewers or Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring freshness and color to the table.

Lemon Zucchini

Lightly sautéed zucchini with lemon zest adds brightness and a subtle crunch.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple and classic—season with a bit of salt and olive oil for a clean side.

A Glass of White Wine

If you’re serving this for dinner, pair it with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to elevate the whole experience.

Light Fruit Dessert

Think peach slices, mixed berries, or a citrusy sorbet to finish on a refreshing note.

---

Storage Instructions

This creamy chicken penne keeps really well, making it great for meal prep or next-day leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Not recommended. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can cook the chicken in advance and store it separately. When ready, make the sauce and pasta, then slice and add the pre-cooked chicken at the end.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, or use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cream cheese or a bit of butter for richness. Just be sure to simmer gently so the sauce doesn’t curdle.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and even cook the full dish a few hours ahead. When reheating, just add a splash of broth or milk to bring the creaminess back.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. It has optional red pepper flakes, so if you like a little heat, add them. Otherwise, it’s very mild and kid-friendly.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Shred it and stir it in during the last few minutes just to heat through—super convenient and still delicious.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping in the sauce?

Let the sauce cool slightly before adding the cheese, and always use freshly grated parmesan—it melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded.

What if the sauce gets too thick?

Just add a bit more chicken broth or milk and stir until the consistency is right. This is common, especially if the dish sits for a few minutes before serving.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, but be mindful of cooking time—it may absorb liquid differently. Keep an eye on it and add extra broth as needed to ensure even cooking.

---

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne checks all the boxes: it’s quick, comforting, loaded with flavor, and doesn’t leave a mess behind. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a weeknight yet still feel like you’ve treated yourself to something special. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just yourself, this pasta will hit the spot every time.

Ready for a creamy, garlicky, cheesy win with just one pot? Let’s get cooking.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: