If you have ever dreamed of a dish that perfectly marries tender chicken with a rich, velvety sauce and just the right amount of cheesy pasta, then this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. This wonderfully comforting meal brings together juicy, golden chicken thighs bathed in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy yet is surprisingly simple to pull off on a weeknight, making it a true crowd-pleaser that might just become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in delivering the rich flavors and satisfying textures you’ll love. From the creamy dairy staples to the fragrant herbs and perfectly cooked chicken, everything comes together harmoniously.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These juicy thighs stay tender and soak up all the gorgeous flavors as they cook.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base to brown the chicken perfectly.
- Butter: Enhances richness and helps develop that amazing garlic aroma.
- Garlic, minced: The star aromatic that gives this dish its irresistible flavor punch.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that coats every bite.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce with every forkful.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright pop of color and a hint of freshness at the end.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning to bring out bold, balanced flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Italian seasoning: A savory blend of herbs that complements garlic and parmesan perfectly.
- Reserved pasta water: Magic ingredient that helps loosen the sauce and make it silky smooth.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple blend brings out the natural flavor while adding a fragrant, herby note. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear each side for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The searing locks in juices and creates a beautiful crust you’ll love. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, resisting the urge to skip this step as it builds a lot of flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, just tender but with a bite. Reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. This reserved water will be your secret weapon for perfecting the sauce texture.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Reduce your skillet’s heat to medium and add a bit more butter. Toss in the minced garlic, sautéing it just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—being careful not to let it burn. Then, pour in the heavy cream, gently bringing it to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce turns smooth, creamy, and perfectly glossy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken in the Sauce
Now, add the drained penne into this dreamy sauce, tossing to coat every piece in cheesy goodness. Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet right on top of the pasta. Let everything warm together for a minute or two so the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan for that eye-catching, flavorful finale. Serve immediately while everything is hot, creamy, and irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks here; it adds a bright, herbaceous lift that balances the richness perfectly. Sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top for an additional layer of melting cheesiness that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Since the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta Recipe is quite rich, pairing it with crisp and fresh sides works wonderfully. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus offers a clean, refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls can also be delightful if you want to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more impressive presentation, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls with the chicken elegantly placed on top and garnished with herb sprigs. Drizzle a touch of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a tiny kick. This dish also works well plated family-style on a large platter for sharing and family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s creamy, the sauce may thicken slightly, but a quick stir and warming will bring back its silkiness.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky, but it’s doable. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce together without the pasta to avoid mushiness. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat, adding some fresh pasta or noodles when serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently so the sauce doesn’t separate. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. Microwave works in a pinch but stir halfway through to keep it smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but because they’re leaner, be sure not to overcook them to keep the meat tender and juicy. Adjust cooking times accordingly and enjoy the same flavorful experience.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. Reducing the butter slightly can also help lighten the dish while keeping lots of flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this dish adapts easily without sacrificing flavor.
What type of parmesan cheese is best?
Freshly grated parmesan from a wedge is best for maximum flavor and smooth melting. Avoid pre-grated powders as they don’t melt as well and can alter the sauce’s texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms are fantastic additions that complement the creamy garlic parmesan sauce and chicken beautifully. Add them right after sautéing the garlic to incorporate their flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta Recipe is truly one of those gems that feels like a treat every time you make it. Rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that brings warmth to the table and smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings to your kitchen and dining room. Trust me, once you do, this recipe will become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is a comforting and indulgent one-pan meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with a luscious garlic-infused parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both rich in flavor and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the boneless skinless chicken thighs dry and season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse them with classic herb flavors.
- Heat the skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil along with butter to create a flavorful fat base for searing.
- Sear the chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the hot skillet and sear them for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add a bit of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing the garlic’s aroma into the pan.
- Add cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and gently bring it to a simmer, allowing it to warm without boiling.
- Make the sauce: Gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed to balance and enhance the flavors.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Return chicken to skillet: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet with the cheesy pasta, allowing them to warm together briefly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese over the top for a fresh, savory finish.
- Serve immediately: Plate the creamy garlic parmesan chicken and penne pasta hot, enjoying it while the sauce is rich and creamy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but boneless skinless chicken breasts can be substituted if desired.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta so it stays firm and complements the creamy sauce well.
