Creamy, rich, and packed with bold garlic flavor, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is your ticket to a stress-free dinner night. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — everything cooks in a single pot, soaking up all the savory goodness without a mountain of dishes to wash.

Each bite delivers tender bites of chicken, luscious parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked penne that clings to the sauce just right. It’s comfort food without the fuss, and once you taste that garlicky, cheesy perfection, this might become your new weekly staple.

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

This recipe is the weeknight hero we all need. It’s fast enough for a busy Tuesday, indulgent enough for a Friday night treat, and it leaves you with only one pot to clean. The garlic and parmesan flavor combo never fails, and when you throw in juicy seared chicken and pasta that cooks right in the sauce, you’ve got a full meal that tastes like something out of a cozy Italian kitchen.

Cream, garlic, parmesan, and pasta is a classic marriage for good reason, and in this case, the penne gets coated in all that deliciousness while absorbing the rich flavor of the chicken. Plus, this recipe is endlessly adaptable — toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, offering a lean and tender bite that pairs well with the creamy sauce. If you want more flavor and don’t mind a bit of extra richness, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully too. Just be sure to cut the chicken into even-sized pieces so they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use rotisserie chicken if you’re looking to save even more time.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This recipe keeps things simple without skimping on flavor. The ingredients are likely ones you already have on hand, but when combined, they create something truly comforting and satisfying. It all comes together in one pot, which makes clean-up a breeze and ensures every component absorbs that garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Chicken breast
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Garlic cloves
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Penne pasta
Butter
Parsley (optional, for garnish)

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 pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Base

In the same pot, add a little butter and the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This will infuse the butter with intense garlic flavor, forming the base of the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the penne pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Add freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Return the chicken to the pot and stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Let everything simmer together for another minute or two so the flavors fully come together. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

This dish is meant to be enjoyed right out of the pot, while the sauce is at its creamiest and the flavors are freshly melded. It feeds about 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or a hearty meal prep option for a few days.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and revive its silky texture. You can reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

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

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread. It soaks up the sauce perfectly and adds a satisfying crunch.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish and adds a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Broccoli

Lightly roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper, broccoli brings texture and a little bite to the plate.

Sauteed Spinach

Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic adds a healthy and delicious green that complements the creamy sauce.

Caprese Skewers

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a skewer give you a pop of freshness that lifts the entire meal.

Lemon Butter Asparagus

Bright and citrusy, asparagus with lemon butter offers a burst of color and flavor alongside your creamy penne.

Caesar Salad

For something a little richer, a Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess with its signature dressing.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet, tangy carrots roasted until tender bring an unexpected yet tasty twist to the table.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne, there’s a good chance you’ll fall for these comforting and delicious options too:

Try the rich, meaty flavors of One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a cozy dinner with bold character.
Need a vegetarian twist? The Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta brings creamy tang and earthy greens together beautifully.
For a zesty, herby alternative, Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl delivers protein-packed comfort.
Enjoy a Southern spin with the No Peek Chicken Casserole, another one-pot wonder packed with flavor.
Or indulge in the irresistible Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms for a loaded, veggie-forward take.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can always find it when cravings strike.

And when you do try it, leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out! Did you toss in mushrooms or go full veggie? Maybe you used rotisserie chicken to save even more time?

Every kitchen tweak helps the next reader, and I always love seeing how these recipes evolve in your hands.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and weeknight inspirations on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next go-to favorite!

Conclusion

When you’re looking for something fast, creamy, and totally satisfying, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is hard to beat. It hits all the marks: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and endless flexibility. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping lunches for the week, it’s a meal that keeps on giving. Give it a try and make it your own — your future self will thank you.