Craving a pasta dish that’s both indulgent and comforting? Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken nestled in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, twirling around perfectly cooked penne pasta, each bite coated with cheesy richness. This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into a cozy, restaurant-worthy experience.

Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, and deeply satisfying. The balance of textures and flavors ensures every forkful feels special, from the juicy chicken to the al dente pasta bathed in garlicky bliss.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – Essential for searing the chicken evenly and building the sauce directly in the same pan for maximum flavor.
Medium Saucepan – For boiling the penne pasta to al dente perfection.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Helps stir without damaging the pan surface and keeps sauces smooth.
Sharp Chef’s Knife – For clean, even cuts of chicken and finely minced garlic.
Colander – To drain the pasta efficiently without losing any precious cooking water.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

Chicken Breast – Lean, tender protein that soaks up the garlic-parmesan flavors beautifully.
Penne Pasta – Its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce, making each bite flavorful.
Garlic – The aromatic backbone of the sauce, infusing richness into every layer.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds savory depth and a luxurious, nutty finish.
Heavy Cream – Creates the velvety texture and indulgent mouthfeel.
Butter – Enhances flavor and gives the sauce a silky base.
Olive Oil – For searing chicken to golden perfection without burning.
Salt & Black Pepper – Fundamental for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
Fresh Parsley – Brings a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta Base

In a medium saucepan, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add pasta to the sauce, toss well, then fold in the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

Serve this pasta hot, straight from the pan, for the ultimate creamy texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. If you’re entertaining, a chilled glass of white wine makes the perfect companion.

For storage, let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the cheese slightly.

Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely—fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle also hold the sauce well.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out? Reheat over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth.

Can I add vegetables to the dish? Yes! Spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes make delicious additions.

Is it freezer-friendly? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a tangy-sweet twist, or the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you want a hearty, smoky touch.

For seafood lovers, try the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for layered comfort. Or, if you want another easy skillet dinner, the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta will not disappoint.

And for a cozy night in, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta adds a little spice to the creamy pasta game.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add spinach? Maybe extra garlic? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

For more daily recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest LadyPlate.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Tender golden-seared chicken meets creamy garlic parmesan sauce in this decadent pasta dish. Perfectly cooked penne captures every drop of cheesy richness for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home.

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Boil salted water in a medium saucepan. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream, stir gently, and add grated parmesan. Cook until sauce thickens, adjusting with pasta water if needed.

6. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add pasta to sauce, toss well, then fold in chicken.

7. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.