Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner. Juicy, seared chicken meets velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce, tossed with cheesy penne pasta. Every bite is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In a large pot, boil salted water. Cook the penne until al dente, then drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the grated parmesan and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over and simmer together for 3–5 minutes.
7. Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
8. Serve with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan on top.
Notes
For extra golden chicken, pat it dry before searing to avoid steam.
Don’t overheat the sauce once the cheese is added to prevent clumping.
For a veggie boost, stir in baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy penne pasta