Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner: this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne. This dish delivers a full, restaurant-quality meal without the mountain of dishes. We combine tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a luscious, savory garlic parmesan sauce all in a single pot. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ready in about 30 minutes, and guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s big on flavor but low on cleanup, you’ve found it.
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a streamlined culinary experience designed for the busy home cook. The magic happens as the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, allowing its starches to thicken the cream and create an unbelievably silky texture. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves efficient, delicious cooking.
Why This One Pot Pasta Recipe Works
You’ll absolutely adore this recipe, and here’s why it consistently produces amazing results:
- Minimal Cleanup: The beauty of a one-pot meal is undeniable. Everything from searing the chicken to simmering the sauce and cooking the pasta happens in a single pot, saving you precious time on cleanup.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to absorb every bit of the garlic, parmesan, and chicken flavor. Each bite is infused with savory goodness.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish is on the table in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for hectic weeknights when you’re craving something special but are short on time. For another amazing creamy chicken dish, check out our other creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, like chicken broth, penne, and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This creamy chicken pasta uses simple, accessible ingredients to create its rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking.
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- Chicken Breast: We use boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized 1-inch pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Penne Pasta: The ridges and tubes of penne are perfect for catching the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth: This is the primary cooking liquid for the pasta and forms the base of our sauce. Use a low-sodium version to better control the saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: This is the key to an ultra-creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts beautifully and delivers a sharp, nutty flavor that pre-shredded cheese can’t match.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the aromatic, savory backbone of the sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a layer of sweet, aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of olive oil and butter is used for sautéing. The oil prevents the butter from burning while the butter adds rich flavor.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning is all you need. A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional for a little heat.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh, vibrant flavor at the end.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne
Follow these simple steps to create this incredible one-pot meal. It’s a straightforward process that delivers a five-star result.
- Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Let it return to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine and Finish: Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, delicious pasta!
Expert Tips for Success
A few simple tips can elevate your dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta as it cooks. It can go from al dente to mushy quickly in a one-pot dish. Start checking it a couple of minutes before the package directions suggest.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: This is a non-negotiable for a smooth sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grate your own from a block for the best flavor and texture.
- Scrape the Pot: Don’t forget to scrape the “fond” (the browned bits) from the bottom of the pot when you add the chicken broth. This is where a ton of flavor is concentrated.
- Let it Rest: After you stir in the Parmesan, let the pasta sit for a minute or two off the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add Veggies: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end until it wilts, or add steamed broccoli florets or sun-dried tomatoes with the chicken.
- Make it Spicy: For a bit of a kick, add a pinch more red pepper flakes with the garlic. For a different flavor profile, consider adding some of the smoky heat found in our Cajun Steak Pasta.
- Change the Protein: This dish works wonderfully with shrimp or sliced Italian sausage instead of chicken.
- Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, you could experiment by adding a little Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different nutty flavor.
What to Serve With This Dish
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides.
- A Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of that incredible garlic parmesan sauce.
- A Delicious Dessert: Finish the meal with something sweet, like these perfect raspberry cheesecake bars.
– Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are all excellent choices.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers are fantastic, but creamy pasta requires a little care when reheating.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat this pasta is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pot to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency as you gently warm it. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken tough and the sauce separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using your favorite brand of gluten-free penne pasta. Be sure to check your chicken broth to ensure it is also certified gluten-free.
Absolutely! While penne is great for catching the sauce, you can easily substitute it with other short pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, or rigatoni. Adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
You can, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. If you use milk, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch (mixed with a little cold water) to help thicken the sauce to the right consistency.
The key is to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and to add it off the heat. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Adding the cheese after you’ve turned off the stove allows it to melt gently into the sauce without curdling.
This recipe is very versatile! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some crispy bacon bits.
The Perfect One-Pot Dinner
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne proves that you don’t need a complicated recipe or a sink full of dishes to create a memorable, mouthwatering meal. It’s a dish that brings comfort and convenience together in the most delicious way. Give it a try, and we know you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation. We’d love to see your creations! Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on Pinterest.
Recipe
One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Let it return to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Check Pasta Doneness: Start checking the pasta a couple of minutes before the package suggests to prevent it from getting too soft.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce's creamy texture.
