Description

Craving something rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to clean up? This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is a dreamy combination of juicy seasoned chicken, tender penne pasta, and a velvety parmesan garlic cream sauce — all made in one pot. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, comfort food cravings, or anyone searching for an easy recipe with big flavors and minimal effort. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or a cozy weekend meal. Whether you’re a beginner home cook or a seasoned kitchen pro, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

0.5 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon butter

4 garlic cloves minced

2.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

1.5 cups heavy cream

2 cups uncooked penne pasta

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley chopped for garnish

1 cup baby spinach

0.5 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

0.5 cup sliced mushrooms

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.

3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Once pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened, remove pan from heat. Stir in parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth.

7. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.

8. Slice rested chicken and return it to the pan. Let sit 1–2 minutes to warm through.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Add a splash of broth or cream if sauce thickens while resting.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce — pre-shredded cheeses may clump.

Avoid high heat when adding cheese; turn off the burner before mixing it in to prevent graininess.

A splash of broth or cream can bring back the sauce’s silky texture if it thickens too much after cooking.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ recipe)
Calories: 670
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, one pot recipe, chicken pasta, garlic parmesan penne, easy dinner