One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

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Imagine tender, juicy strips of perfectly seasoned chicken nestled into creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, clinging to every curve of al dente penne pasta. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is the weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal fuss. It’s rich, savory, and comforting—like a warm hug in a bowl.

What makes this dish extra special is the harmony of flavors: sharp Parmesan melts into velvety cream, garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma, and a hint of fresh herbs lifts the whole meal. And the best part? Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish effortless and flavorful, the right tools make all the difference:

• Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven – Essential for evenly cooking the chicken and pasta together while allowing room for stirring without spills.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Ideal for stirring the sauce gently, preventing the pasta from breaking.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife – For slicing chicken into even strips to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accuracy matters when balancing cream, cheese, and seasonings.
• Tongs – Handy for turning chicken without damaging the sear.

Having these tools ready ensures your cooking process is smooth and stress-free.

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Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

• Chicken Breast – Lean, tender, and the perfect protein to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.
• Olive Oil – For searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity richness.
• Garlic – Fresh cloves are key for that deep, savory flavor in the sauce.
• Penne Pasta – Holds the sauce beautifully with its ridges and tubular shape.
• Chicken Broth – Infuses the pasta with extra flavor as it cooks.
• Heavy Cream – Gives the dish its luscious, velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese – The star of the sauce, adding sharp, nutty depth.
• Butter – Rounds out the sauce with richness.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness before serving.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For a gentle kick of heat.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.

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How To Make the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken breast strips with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be aromatic and lightly golden.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until just al dente, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the pot, toss everything together, and cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes.

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Serving and Storing Your One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Serve this pasta hot, straight from the pot, with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top and a side of warm garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce. A light side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette makes the perfect fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.

For storing, cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture and warm gently over medium heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still creamy.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Simply skip the searing step and add sliced pre-cooked chicken in Step 5 to heat through.

What other pasta shapes work well?

Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle are great alternatives since they hold onto creamy sauces.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Grate Parmesan fresh from a block and stir it in off the heat to avoid curdling.

Can I freeze this dish?

Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, as they can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne, you might enjoy these other delicious pasta recipes from Life With Olivia:

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne
• Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta
• One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

For even more recipes, follow my daily kitchen adventures on Pinterest: Life With Olivia Pinterest

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And when you try it, I’d love to know how it turned out! Did you add extra garlic? Try it with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes? Share your tweaks and let’s inspire each other to cook with creativity.

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