Craving something rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying with minimal cleanup? One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne might just be your next go-to comfort meal. This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with the ease of a single pan and a handful of everyday ingredients. Think golden seared chicken, garlic-kissed cream sauce, and tender penne pasta all coming together in one cozy pot.

The beauty of this recipe is how it balances indulgence and practicality. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner guests, the creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta while the seasoned chicken provides a savory contrast. Add a few chili flakes and herbs, and you’ve got a plate that looks as good as it tastes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull off this one-pot wonder, you’ll need just a few key kitchen tools:

Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is the backbone of the recipe. You want a wide base to sear the chicken evenly and deep sides to handle all the liquid from the creamy sauce and pasta.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Precision slicing makes a difference in both appearance and even cooking, especially for the chicken.
Tongs or a Spatula: These help in flipping the chicken for that perfect golden sear without tearing the meat.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Consistency is key, especially with the creamy sauce. Accurate measurements help balance the garlic, cheese, and cream.
Ladle or Serving Spoon: For easy serving once everything comes together.

Having these essentials ensures you keep it truly one-pot—no need to boil the pasta separately or dirty multiple pans.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Chicken Breast: The hero protein, sliced thin for quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Penne Pasta: Its ridges hold onto the creamy garlic parmesan sauce beautifully.
Garlic: The aromatic backbone that infuses the sauce with depth and warmth.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, nutty saltiness and melts into the sauce for a smooth finish.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious base of the sauce, rich and velvety.
Butter: Adds flavor and richness while helping cook the garlic without burning it.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the pasta as it cooks and balances the richness of the cream.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the components together.
Chili Flakes (optional): For a little heat that cuts through the creaminess.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, herby finish that elevates the whole dish visually and flavor-wise.

How To Make the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat your skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Sear both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, lower the heat and melt butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown—you want it soft and aromatic.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked penne directly into the pot. Stir occasionally and let it simmer gently for 12-14 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Herbs

Slice the seared chicken and return it to the pot. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Let it all meld for another 2 minutes, then serve hot.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Serve this dish hot straight from the pot for a true comfort food moment. It pairs well with a light green salad or roasted vegetables. For an extra luxurious touch, sprinkle a bit more parmesan and freshly cracked pepper on top.

To store leftovers, transfer the pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. While you can freeze it, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at medium-low once you add the cream. Avoid boiling it, and always add cream after broth has simmered down.

Can I substitute the chicken breast with thighs?

Yes! Chicken thighs offer more flavor and tenderness. Just ensure they’re boneless and cook slightly longer for thorough doneness.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy with unsweetened oat cream and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture and umami. Though it won’t be quite as rich, it still satisfies.

What other pasta types can I use?

Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work well as alternatives. Just watch the cooking time and adjust liquid if needed.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli are fantastic additions that complement the creamy sauce.

Does this reheat well for meal prep?

Yes, just keep the sauce slightly loose when cooking so it doesn’t dry out upon reheating. Add a splash of broth when warming it up.

Want More Creamy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti if you want something cheesy with a baked twist. Or try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a bit of spice and bold flavor.

For another one-pan creamy dream, check out the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta — it’s crowd-pleasing and fun to plate.

And if you’re after something meaty, Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce offers a richer, beefier spin on creamy pasta. You could also explore our Buffalo Chicken Lasagna if you love layered flavors in creamy formats.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food boards for later. Just hit the Pin button.

When you try it, I’d love to hear your twist. Did you add broccoli? Swap cheeses? Drop your version in the comments. You can also follow more of my everyday meal inspiration on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A cozy, one-pot comfort meal featuring seared chicken breast, penne pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknights when you want rich flavors without a sink full of dishes. This dish comes together fast and delivers big on comfort and flavor.

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil.

2. Season sliced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.

3. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Add heavy cream and stir in parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.

7. Add uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce thickened, return sliced chicken to the pot.

9. Stir in chopped parsley, adjust seasoning if needed, and let everything warm through.

10. Serve hot with extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

Sear the chicken in batches if your pan is small to prevent steaming instead of browning.

Don’t skip stirring the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot bottom.

Use freshly grated parmesan—not the shelf-stable kind—for a smoother sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ¼ cups
Calories: 680
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, one pot pasta, garlic parmesan penne