There’s something deeply comforting about a one-pot pasta meal, especially when it’s coated in a silky garlic parmesan cream sauce and packed with tender chunks of juicy chicken. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne brings the warmth of homemade cooking together with the convenience we all need on busy weeknights. It’s rich, hearty, and feels like the kind of dinner you’d want to curl up with after a long day.

What makes this dish stand out is how everything is cooked in a single pan—from searing the chicken to simmering the pasta in the creamy sauce. The flavors build as each ingredient gets added, layering garlic, cheese, and herbs into a luscious coating over perfectly cooked penne. Best of all, you don’t have to boil the pasta separately or use multiple dishes.

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

This recipe checks all the boxes for comfort, ease, and flavor. It’s quick to throw together and yet feels indulgent enough to serve for a casual dinner party. The garlic-parmesan sauce has that luxurious texture that clings to each bite of pasta, while the chicken adds protein and satisfying heartiness.

Clean-up is a breeze, which always makes a meal more enjoyable. It’s great for meal-prepping or for families needing a filling dish everyone will love. And if you enjoy customizing, you can easily toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for even more flavor and texture.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here because they cook quickly and slice easily. But if you prefer darker meat, boneless chicken thighs are just as good and provide extra juiciness. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, just fold it in at the end after the pasta has cooked—you’ll still get all the richness from the sauce without any extra hassle.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This recipe leans on just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Chicken breast
Olive oil
Garlic
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Penne pasta
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional)

Each ingredient plays an important role. The chicken breast adds lean protein, while olive oil helps sear it to golden perfection. Fresh garlic is a must for bold flavor. Chicken broth and heavy cream build the rich base of the sauce, and penne pasta absorbs all that goodness. Parmesan cheese gives it that salty, nutty finish, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning brings everything together. Don’t skip the salt and pepper for seasoning, and if you like a pop of green, fresh parsley is a nice touch for serving.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne 2

How To Make the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Lower the heat slightly, then add minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. This infuses the oil and leftover chicken drippings with deep garlicky flavor.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Chicken

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese. Once melted, return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together until fully coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Serving and Storing Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This dish is best served fresh and hot out of the pan when the sauce is still silky and luscious. It makes about 4 to 6 servings depending on portion size, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

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

Garlic Bread

A crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up that extra creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, parmesan, and tangy dressing contrast beautifully with the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

A side of oven-roasted broccoli adds color and crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft pasta.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Slightly sweet and tangy, these make a great vegetable side to balance the creaminess.

Sauteed Spinach

A light garlic butter spinach keeps it green and fresh without overpowering the main dish.

Caprese Salad

Juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with basil bring a fresh Italian flair.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne, you’ll definitely want to try these next:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a cheesy, beefy weeknight twist.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you’re looking for hearty and quick.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a comfort classic with a beefy spin.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you want cheese-pull magic.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a bold, smoky variation.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for chicken breast or thighs? Add spinach or keep it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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