Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner with tender chicken, al dente penne, and a silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce. If you love garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, one pot pasta, creamy chicken penne, and 30 minute meals, this easy recipe will become a new favorite.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Season and sear the chicken in olive oil over medium high heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side until lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
2. Melt butter in the same pot, add the minced garlic, and cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring often.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir, and bring to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked penne and reduce heat to a steady simmer.
4. Cook, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 12 to 14 minutes.
5. Slice or cube the chicken and return it to the pot. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Finish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
The sauce thickens as it cools, so add a splash of warm broth or cream when reheating.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, lump free finish.
Swap penne with rigatoni or rotini and adjust simmer time by 1 to 2 minutes as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg