Description
Rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is your next go-to for a cozy, satisfying dinner. Juicy seared chicken thighs rest atop tender penne pasta, all coated in a luscious garlic-parmesan sauce. This dish is perfect for those craving a comforting, hearty meal. It fits the bill for a quick dinner, easy recipe, or even a weeknight meal idea that feels indulgent yet effortless. Whether you’re serving guests or meal-prepping for the week, this creamy pasta is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
12 oz penne pasta
2 cups heavy cream
6 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high and sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 mins per side). Set aside.
3. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
5. Add heavy cream, let it simmer, then stir in parmesan until fully melted.
6. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved water as needed to loosen.
7. Slice the rested chicken and layer it over the pasta.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra depth, use freshly grated parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
Want some heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéeing garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 175mg