Okay, so you want to make something that’s utterly comforting, ridiculously easy, and tastes like you spent *hours* slaving away? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is my absolute go-to when I want a guaranteed win. It’s got tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sauce so rich and garlicky you’ll want to lick the bowl. Seriously, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy. No heading needs to be written for the introduction.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta
- It’s incredibly quick – think weeknight dinner magic!
- The flavor combo is a total crowd-pleaser, from picky eaters to grown-ups.
- It’s super forgiving, so don’t stress if you’re new to cooking.
- You get that restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta
Alright, let’s talk making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta absolutely sing! First off, don’t skimp on the garlic; mince it nice and fine so it really infuses the sauce. Second, when you’re making the sauce, let that Parmesan cheese melt slowly over low heat – patience here means a super smooth, dreamy sauce, not a grainy mess. And my biggest secret? Make sure your chicken is cooked *before* you add it back to the sauce. It stops it from getting tough and keeps everything tender and delicious.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta
Okay, so for this amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta, we’re going to keep things simple but focus on good quality stuff. Having everything ready to go makes the actual cooking process a breeze. Trust me, grabbing fresh ingredients makes a HUGE difference in the final flavor. Let’s get our mise en place sorted!
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta
For this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta, fresh garlic is key – it really gives that punch! If you can’t find penne, any short pasta shape like rotini or farfalle will totally work. And for the cream, heavy cream makes it super rich, but if you want a slightly lighter version, half-and-half is a decent swap, though it won’t be *quite* as decadent. Just don’t use milk, it’ll get weird!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta
Alright, let’s get this delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta made! It’s really straightforward, so just follow along and you’ll have a fantastic meal in no time. We’ll get the pasta going first, then the chicken and that dreamy sauce. It all comes together super fast, which is why I love it so much!
Preparing the Penne Pasta
First things first, get a big pot of salted water boiling. Once it’s rolling, toss in your penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – you know, that nice bite to it. Drain it well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it, we want that pasta water to help the sauce cling later!
Cooking the Chicken and Building the Flavor Base
Now, grab a big skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of brown! Take the chicken out and set it aside. Toss your minced garlic into the same skillet – careful, it cooks fast! – just about 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down low. Now for the magic: stir in that glorious grated Parmesan cheese, plus your salt and pepper. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is all melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. This is where all that yummy garlic flavor really comes to life! For tips on achieving the perfect sauce consistency, check out this guide on making a pan sauce.
Combining and Finishing the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta
Now, bring that cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Add your drained penne pasta too. Give it all a good toss so every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that creamy goodness. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Cover the skillet for just a couple of minutes until the cheese is all melty and gooey. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Serving Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is a meal all on its own, but it’s even better with a little something extra on the side! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli would be perfect. Just a little something to balance out all that creamy richness!
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta
Got questions about whipping up this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta? I’ve got answers! Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Thighs will give you an even more tender result, just make sure they’re cooked through. What if I don’t have penne pasta? No worries, any short pasta like rotini or shells works great in this garlic parmesan chicken dish. How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin? Just let it simmer a bit longer uncovered, or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in until it thickens. Can I add veggies? Yes, please! Broccoli florets or spinach are fantastic additions to this cheesy penne pasta. For more ideas on incorporating vegetables into pasta dishes, explore this article on adding vegetables to pasta.
Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta
Got leftovers of this amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta? Lucky you! Let them cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is your friend – just a minute or two, stirring halfway through, usually does the trick. If you want to be a bit fancier, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, maybe adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems a little thick.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note about the nutritional info for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta – these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the exact brands you use, how much of each ingredient you *really* end up using (we all taste as we go, right?), and even how you reheat leftovers. So, think of them as a good guideline, not a strict rulebook!
Print
Amazing 1-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and savory dish featuring tender chicken and al dente penne pasta coated in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked penne pasta.
- Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may not be as rich.
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy penne, chicken dinner, easy pasta recipe