This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is the kind of dinner that makes you forget about takeout. Picture juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce, then nestled over tender penne pasta smothered in cheese. It’s indulgent, comforting, and exactly the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

What makes this dish stand out is the way every element complements the next. The chicken soaks up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness from the sauce, while the pasta acts like a sponge, capturing every drop of that velvety richness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or need a recipe that wows guests, this one hits the spot every single time.

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

This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor with none of the fuss. The ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly staples that come together in a way that feels gourmet without being complicated. The garlic and parmesan combo is timeless, while the addition of cheesy pasta gives the dish a soul-soothing, cozy finish.

You’ll also love how versatile it is. Want to throw in some spinach or mushrooms? Go for it. Need to make it ahead? This dish reheats beautifully. It’s a dinner you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over.

What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?

Freshly grated parmesan is the gold standard for this dish. It melts more smoothly into the sauce and gives a deeper, nuttier flavor that the pre-shredded varieties just can’t match. If you only have store-bought grated cheese, it will still work, but for that next-level creaminess, go with the real wedge and grate it right before cooking. Also, avoid using the powdered kind in the green can—it won’t melt properly and can lead to a grainy sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

This dish is built on flavor-packed, familiar ingredients that bring depth and comfort to every bite. The balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory notes relies on using fresh, good-quality components. Here’s what you need to pull it all together:

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

Each ingredient plays a role. Chicken breasts are the star protein, providing a tender, juicy bite. Salt and pepper season the base. Olive oil and butter form the foundation of flavor when cooking the chicken. Garlic cloves infuse richness into the sauce. Heavy cream and chicken broth are the duo that makes the sauce silky yet flavorful. Parmesan cheese brings that savory umami punch, while Italian seasoning adds depth. Penne pasta is ideal for soaking up sauce in its ridges. And mozzarella cheese melts beautifully over everything, creating that cheesy finish. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and brightness.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta 2

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

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

Step 2: Create the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a little more butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and let it reduce slightly before stirring in the heavy cream.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Once the cream mixture is warm, whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until smooth. Add Italian seasoning and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Melt

Return the chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the sauce. Add cooked penne pasta and stir gently to coat. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, cover, and let it melt.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite.

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

This dish is a full-on comfort meal, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you’re entertaining and want to impress without the stress. It feeds about 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for family-style serving straight from the skillet. The cheesy sauce stays creamy even after sitting for a bit, which makes it forgiving if dinner isn’t served the second it’s done.

For storing, let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of cream or broth will bring the sauce back to life. You can also freeze the dish, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a natural partner to this pasta, ideal for mopping up every last drop of sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted asparagus spears bring a touch of brightness and color that complements the dish beautifully.

Sauteed Spinach

Garlicky spinach on the side adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that balances the cheesy richness.

Caesar Salad

Creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and romaine lettuce pair well with the chicken and pasta.

Grilled Zucchini

Sliced zucchini with olive oil and a touch of char gives the plate a smoky edge.

Herby Focaccia

A soft, herbed focaccia can elevate the meal while offering extra texture.

Lemon-Butter Broccoli

Steamed broccoli tossed in lemon butter cuts through the heaviness of the pasta and adds a zesty bite.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta, you’ll want to explore more crowd-pleasing chicken recipes from Janet Dishes. Here are a few worth trying next:

Try the savory depth of this comforting Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms — it’s a one-skillet winner.
For something with a twist, go for the White Chicken Enchilada Casserole with its creamy and cheesy Mexican flair.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a fun variation that plays up the cheesy pasta even more.
Want a lighter option? Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings all the flavor without the heaviness.
And don’t miss the zesty and flavorful Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for a quick dinner that’s still full of creamy, garlicky goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap the pasta shape? Did you go extra on the garlic?

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

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is comfort food at its finest. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t just feed you, it satisfies every craving with its rich, savory flavor and gooey, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy evening, this is a recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.