One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

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When you combine tender grilled chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a silky parmesan garlic cream sauce, you get the kind of comfort food that feels both indulgent and irresistibly satisfying. One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne brings together bold garlic flavor, the richness of real parmesan, and a perfectly balanced creaminess — all in one pan. The golden, herbed crust on the chicken adds texture and flavor that takes the entire dish to another level.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish fits the bill. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare with just a few key ingredients and tools. And best of all? Since it’s made in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. This is the kind of meal that wins over picky eaters and pasta lovers alike.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

• All-in-One Pot: Fewer dishes to wash, more time to enjoy your meal.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy with just the right balance.
• Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it your own.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a bistro, but you made it in under an hour.
• Comfort Food Favorite: Warm, creamy, and satisfying — it hits every comfort note without being overly heavy.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

To make this dish come together seamlessly, having the right tools on hand makes a big difference. This isn’t a fussy recipe, but a few essential pieces of equipment will ensure your chicken is juicy, your pasta is al dente, and your sauce is perfectly smooth.

• Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is your main cooking vessel. A deep skillet or Dutch oven allows the pasta to cook evenly in the sauce and provides enough space to stir without spilling.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken without tearing it and tossing the pasta toward the end for an even coat of sauce.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing your chicken breasts evenly and prepping any herbs or add-ins.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce gently and making sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
• Grater (Microplane): Freshly grated parmesan melts better and tastes richer. A microplane ensures a fine texture that integrates beautifully into the sauce.

These tools help make the cooking process smooth and stress-free, from searing the chicken to stirring in the final touch of cream and cheese.

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Preparation Tips

• Even Slicing Matters: When slicing the chicken breasts before or after cooking, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Room Temperature Chicken: Take your chicken out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and stay juicier.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Skip the jarred stuff for this dish. Fresh minced garlic blooms in the butter and adds depth that powdered garlic just can’t offer.
• Salt the Pasta Water (if boiling separately): If you ever make this without the one-pot method, don’t forget this essential step for flavor.
• Don’t Rush the Sear: Let the chicken get a nice golden crust before flipping. That’s where the flavor lives.
• Gradual Cheese Addition: Add the parmesan gradually off the heat to avoid clumping or graininess in your sauce.

These tips ensure you get the best texture, flavor, and overall experience from this rich and creamy dish.

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Ingredients for This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this creamy, savory, one-pot wonder. Simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2½ cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms

This ingredient list keeps the base simple, but you can easily customize with the optional add-ins depending on your preferences or what you have in your fridge.

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest on a plate; slice into strips once slightly cooled.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan (don’t wipe it — those brown bits add flavor), melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

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Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

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Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan Cheese

Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly, turn off the heat. Gradually stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.

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Step 5: Add the Chicken Back

Nestle the sliced chicken back on top of the creamy pasta. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the flavors blend and the chicken warms through. Garnish with chopped parsley (and a drizzle of olive oil if you like).

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Step 6: Serve Immediately

Plate while hot and creamy. If the sauce thickens too much as it sits, add a splash of warm broth or cream to loosen it up before serving.

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Notes

• Freshly Grated Cheese Is Key: Pre-shredded parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Use fresh parm for a velvety sauce.
• One Pot = Layered Flavor: Cooking everything in the same pot means the sauce soaks up the chicken’s seasoning and pan drippings — don’t skip this step.
• Adjust Creaminess: Prefer a thicker sauce? Simmer uncovered a few extra minutes at the end. Want it looser? Add a splash of cream or broth.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast dries out fast. Use a thermometer and pull it off the heat at 165°F (74°C).
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. Stir it constantly for just 1–2 minutes and don’t walk away.
• Adding Cheese Over High Heat: Parmesan can clump or turn gritty if added while the sauce is still boiling. Always remove the pan from heat first.
• Forgetting to Stir the Pasta: During simmering, occasional stirring helps prevent the penne from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Using Too Much Pasta: Stick to 2 cups of uncooked penne. Extra pasta can soak up all the liquid and leave you with a dry, clumpy mess.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the chicken sit a few minutes after cooking makes slicing easier and helps retain juices.
• Using Low-Quality Cream: Use full-fat heavy cream for the best consistency and flavor. Half-and-half or milk can make the sauce thin and unstable.
• Underseasoning: Between the pasta, cream, and cheese, you need salt and pepper to bring the flavors to life. Taste as you go!

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What to Serve With One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne?

This rich and creamy pasta dish pairs well with a variety of sides and sips. Whether you want to add freshness, texture, or just round out the plate, these ideas can elevate your meal even more.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

2. Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette balance out the richness of the cream.

3. Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

A quick roast with olive oil and sea salt adds crunch and a slightly charred contrast.

4. Bruschetta

Fresh tomato, basil, and balsamic on crusty bread adds acidity and a cool bite.

5. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with balsamic glaze keep things light and classic.

6. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

A simple side that echoes the garlic theme but adds iron-rich greens.

7. Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Water

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a citrusy sparkling water complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

8. Grilled Zucchini or Summer Squash

Mild and slightly sweet, these grilled veggies add texture and keep the meal light.

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Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem — this dish stores and reheats well with a few simple tricks.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or milk while reheating to restore creaminess.
• Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the heavy cream and cheese, freezing may cause separation and a grainy texture. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 4 servings)

Note: Values may vary slightly depending on brands and exact measurements used.

• Calories: 670
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 155mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg

This meal offers a hearty dose of protein and fats, making it a filling comfort food. Add veggies on the side for extra fiber and nutrients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne works beautifully, you can use rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust the cook time as needed — smaller pasta may cook faster.

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2. Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and use less cheese or a light cheese alternative. Keep in mind, this may change the sauce’s richness and thickness.

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3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well. Just skip the searing step and stir it in toward the end to warm through.

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4. What if I don’t have fresh parmesan?

Freshly grated parmesan is best, but in a pinch, pre-grated can be used. Avoid the powdered kind in the green can — it won’t melt properly.

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5. How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cauliflower. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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6. Why did my sauce turn out grainy?

Most likely, the cheese was added while the sauce was too hot. Always remove the pot from heat before stirring in the cheese gradually.

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7. Can I add more veggies to the recipe?

Yes! Try stirring in baby spinach, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.

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8. What wine pairs best with this dish?

A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the cream and parmesan.

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Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is the kind of dish that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s loaded with bold garlic flavor, cheesy creaminess, and perfectly tender pasta — all made in one pot for a streamlined, satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal cleanup.

Now that you know how simple and customizable it is, it might just become a staple in your weekly rotation.

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