Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

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If you’re craving something that feels like comfort in a bowl, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is the answer. It’s rich, cozy, and loaded with flavor that brings everyone to the table. The chicken is tender and perfectly seasoned, the garlic sauce is velvety and full of parmesan goodness, and the penne pasta ties everything together in a cheesy embrace.

This dish has a restaurant-level flair, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal. It doesn’t take fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Instead, it combines pantry staples with a few fresh touches to deliver a crowd-pleasing plate that always earns compliments. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy date night, this recipe shines.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

From the first bite, you’ll notice the balance between richness and comfort. The garlic isn’t overpowering but gives the dish a savory depth, while the parmesan adds that sharp, nutty kick that cheese lovers adore. The sauce clings beautifully to the penne, soaking into every crevice and making each bite more satisfying than the last.

It also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. You can dress it up with roasted veggies or pair it with a crisp salad, making it a versatile favorite in your rotation.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne pasta is a great choice here because the tube shape holds the creamy sauce so well. That said, you can substitute with rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. The key is using a pasta shape that can trap the sauce inside or hold it on ridges.

Avoid spaghetti or angel hair for this recipe, as they don’t do the creamy sauce justice. Shorter pasta with body is your best bet for getting the most out of this flavor-packed dish.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

Let’s talk ingredients. This dish keeps it straightforward with simple staples that turn into something extra special when they come together. Each component plays a role in building layers of creamy, garlicky, cheesy flavor.

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

Chicken breast is the star of the show, offering lean protein that soaks up flavor. Salt and pepper are essential to season every layer. Olive oil helps sear the chicken to golden perfection. Garlic cloves are the base of the sauce, giving it depth. Butter adds silkiness and richness. Heavy cream makes the sauce indulgently creamy. Parmesan cheese brings that classic sharp bite, while Italian seasoning infuses the dish with a herbaceous lift. Cheddar cheese contributes meltiness and extra flavor in the pasta. Penne pasta holds all that creamy sauce in every bite. And fresh parsley, though optional, brightens everything right at the end.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer gently. Add parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the pasta to the garlic parmesan sauce, along with cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is coated and the cheese is melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. Return the chicken to the pan.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Get ready to dig into pure comfort.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

This creamy chicken pasta is best served warm right off the stove when the cheese is perfectly melted and the sauce is at its silky peak. It serves about four people generously, making it perfect for a small family dinner or a meal-prep option for the week.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. Freezing is not ideal for this recipe, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion. It helps mop up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

A chilled Caesar salad adds a crisp contrast to the rich pasta and gives your plate some balance.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli cuts through the richness and adds a nice texture.

Sauteed Green Beans

Green beans cooked in garlic and a touch of lemon pair beautifully with the creamy flavors.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil bring a bright, refreshing taste that lightens the meal.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy carrots offer a surprising twist that matches well with the parmesan notes.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until golden, these add a nutty crunch and a veggie-forward bite.

A Glass of White Wine

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy garlic and parmesan beautifully.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re in love with creamy, cheesy pasta dishes like this one, here are some other irresistible recipes to explore:

• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta for a spicy Caribbean kick.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti when you want oven-baked comfort.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine for a zesty, smoky twist.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a bold, easy weeknight dinner.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a veggie-packed meal with creamy goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes? Try a different pasta shape?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. If you have any questions or tweaks, share them below!

Explore beautifully curated comfort-food pasta and more over at Zoe Recipes on Pinterest: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is one of those dishes that turns ordinary nights into something memorable. It’s indulgent without being over-the-top and offers a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and comfort. Easy enough to make during the week but special enough to serve for guests, it’s one to keep in your regular rotation.

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