why make this recipe
This one-pot garlic chicken with Parmesan penne cooks fast and cleans up fast. You get creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta in one pan. It is a good weeknight meal that tastes rich but uses simple steps.
introduction
This recipe uses everyday ingredients and one pot. You sear chicken, simmer pasta in a garlicky cream sauce, then stir in Parmesan. It feels like a restaurant dish but is easy at home. For another creamy garlic pasta idea, try this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken linguine which shares similar flavors and a simple method.
how to make One-Pot Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Penne
Step by step, you brown the chicken, make the sauce, cook the penne in it, then add the chicken back in and stir in Parmesan. Keep the heat low when you add cream so it does not break. Stir often while the pasta cooks so it cooks evenly and does not stick. For a different spice touch, see a related one-pan recipe like Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
Directions :
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken strips 4–5 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, melt remaining butter if needed and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Add penne directly to the simmering sauce. Stir occasionally, cooking until al dente (about 10–12 minutes). Add extra broth or water if needed to keep pasta from sticking.
- Step 4: Return seared chicken to the pot. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Step 5: Plate hot penne with tender garlic chicken, drizzle any remaining sauce over top. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for that finishing touch.
how to serve One-Pot Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Penne
Serve hot right from the pot for best creaminess. Add extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top. A green salad or steamed vegetables make a light side. Serve with crusty bread if you like to mop up the sauce.
how to store One-Pot Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Penne
Cool the dish to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze cream-heavy pasta; the texture can change when frozen and thawed.
tips to make One-Pot Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Penne
- Cut chicken into similar-size pieces so they cook evenly.
- Brown the chicken well for more flavor, then finish cooking in the sauce.
- Stir the pasta often while it cooks to prevent sticking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- If sauce gets too thick, add a little extra broth or cream to loosen it.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use penne rigate or ziti if you do not have penne.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be thinner.
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms in step 3 for more green and texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless skinless thighs work well. They stay juicy and may need a minute or two more to brown.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Add a little more Parmesan to help thicken.
Q: Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
A: No. Add dry penne directly to the simmering sauce as the recipe says. It cooks in the sauce and absorbs flavor.
Q: How do I stop the sauce from separating?
A: Keep the simmer gentle when you add cream. Do not boil hard. Stir in the cheese off the heat if the sauce is very hot.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free penne and check that your broth is gluten-free.
Conclusion
This one-pot garlic chicken with Parmesan penne is quick, creamy, and simple. If you want another easy one-pan garlic Parmesan idea to try later, see this similar recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta (One-Pan).
One-Pot Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Penne
Ingredients
Method
- In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken strips 4–5 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt remaining butter if needed and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add penne directly to the simmering sauce. Stir occasionally, cooking until al dente (about 10–12 minutes). Add extra broth or water if needed to keep pasta from sticking.
- Return seared chicken to the pot. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Plate hot penne with tender garlic chicken, drizzle any remaining sauce over top. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for that finishing touch.