Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

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I’m not sure which part of this dish I love more—the juicy, golden-seared chicken infused with garlic and herbs, or the ultra-creamy, cheesy penne pasta that wraps around every bite like a warm hug. When I first made this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta, I was craving something rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. I wanted a dinner that felt like a restaurant plate but was simple enough to pull off on a busy weeknight—and this recipe absolutely delivered.

The contrast between the crispy edges of the seasoned chicken thighs and the velvety Parmesan pasta is exactly what makes this dish a total winner. The pasta is tossed in a luscious garlic cream sauce that clings beautifully to each rigatoni tube, while the chicken is seasoned to perfection, seared until golden, then oven-finished to lock in all that flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but doesn’t take hours to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just feeding yourself something special, this dish always hits the spot.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

• Flavor Explosion: You get bold garlic, rich Parmesan, and herb-marinated chicken all in one bite.
• Satisfyingly Creamy: The sauce is indulgent without being too heavy.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: It tastes like something you’d order out, but you control the ingredients.
• Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully—just as creamy the next day.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters won’t resist cheesy pasta and golden chicken.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

While I often use penne or rigatoni for this dish (like in the photo), you’re not limited to just those shapes. The key is to pick a pasta that can hold onto the rich, creamy sauce. I love using rigatoni because its large tubes trap the sauce inside, giving you those perfect creamy bites. Penne, ziti, or even shells will also do the trick. Long pastas like fettuccine or linguine can work too, but they won’t deliver the same texture contrast as the short, ridged varieties.

If you’re in a pinch, don’t hesitate to use what’s already in your pantry. Just be sure to cook it al dente—nobody wants mushy pasta, especially when it’s going to be coated in a delicate garlic-Parmesan sauce.

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Options for Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: I love the flavor and tenderness of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you can absolutely use chicken breasts. Just be sure not to overcook them—slice them in half horizontally to help them cook faster and more evenly.

Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter version, you can swap it for half-and-half or whole milk, but you’ll lose a bit of richness. To keep the creaminess, add a bit of cream cheese or a small amount of flour to help thicken the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best, but you can use Pecorino Romano or a Parmesan blend if needed. Just avoid the shelf-stable powdery kind—it doesn’t melt well and can mess with the texture.

Garlic: Fresh garlic brings the most punch, but in a pinch, you can use garlic paste or even garlic powder—just adjust the quantity (start small and taste as you go).

Pasta: Swap penne for rigatoni, ziti, rotini, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. Just aim for something with enough surface area to catch the sauce.

Herbs: Fresh parsley is my go-to for that final pop of color and flavor, but dried parsley or even basil can work in a pinch.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
These are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for searing. They stay tender and soak up the seasoning beautifully.

Olive Oil
Used to sear the chicken to a golden brown and lock in flavor.

Garlic (Freshly Minced)
The heart of the dish—garlic infuses the sauce and the chicken with rich, savory depth.

Heavy Cream
This is what gives the pasta its luxurious, velvety texture. It creates a smooth base for the cheese to melt into.

Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated)
Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the sauce and helps it thicken naturally. Freshly grated melts better and tastes brighter.

Butter
Melds into the sauce to add richness and give everything a silky finish.

Penne or Rigatoni Pasta
Short pasta shapes work best to catch and hold onto the creamy garlic sauce in every bite.

Salt & Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.

Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to season the chicken and tie all the flavors together.

Parsley (Fresh or Dried)
Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a bit of color to the final dish.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
For a touch of heat that balances the creaminess. Totally up to your spice preference.

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Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps them sear properly. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.

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Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

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Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

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Step 5: Add Parmesan and Pasta

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

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Step 6: Finish and Plate

Return the seared chicken to the pan or plate it alongside the cheesy pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if you like. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky pasta and juicy, seasoned chicken.

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How Long to Cook the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

The total cook time is around 30–35 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Searing the chicken: 10–12 minutes (5–6 minutes per side)
• Boiling the pasta: 10–12 minutes (can be done while the chicken cooks)
• Making the sauce and combining everything: 8–10 minutes

Because you’re multitasking (chicken and pasta cooking at the same time), it comes together quickly, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

• Pat the chicken dry before searing so you get that golden-brown crust instead of steaming it.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente since it will sit in the warm sauce a bit.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
• Deglaze the pan after cooking chicken (you can use a splash of pasta water or broth) to pull up all those flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
• Taste and adjust. The sauce should be balanced—add a pinch of salt or extra Parmesan as needed at the end.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing if you cut it—this keeps it juicy and tender.
• Reserve pasta water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you crowd the chicken while searing, it will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed for that beautiful golden crust.
• Skipping the Rest Time for Chicken: Cutting into chicken right after cooking causes juices to run out—give it 5 minutes to rest.
• Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: It doesn’t melt smoothly and can lead to a grainy sauce. Always grate it fresh if you can.
• Not Reserving Pasta Water: That starchy water helps thin and bind the sauce. Don’t pour it all down the drain.
• Boiling the Cream: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. A rapid boil can cause it to separate or scorch.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Remember, it continues cooking a bit when tossed in the hot sauce. Undercook slightly to keep that perfect bite.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta?

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Crisp, buttery green beans sautéed with garlic pair perfectly with the richness of the pasta and chicken.

Warm Crusty Bread

You’ll want something to soak up the extra creamy sauce—and warm, rustic bread does the job beautifully.

Simple Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and zesty Caesar dressing provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

A burst of acidity and sweetness helps balance the richness of the dish.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Keeps the flavor profile consistent while adding some greens and crunch.

Lemon Arugula Salad

The peppery arugula and lemon vinaigrette cut through the creaminess in a fresh way.

A Glass of White Wine

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic-Parmesan flavors beautifully.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a light, no-cook side.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta store beautifully, which makes this dish even more valuable for meal planning.

• Refrigerate: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.
• Freezing: Not ideal. Cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed and reheated. If you must freeze, store without the pasta, and reheat slowly while stirring in a bit of cream.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: These are approximate values for one serving (based on 4 servings total).

• Calories: ~680
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 155mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

This dish is indulgent, so it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced week of meals. Add a side of greens or a salad to lighten things up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to make the sauce extra creamy?

Use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Let the sauce simmer gently—not boil—and add a splash of pasta water to help it cling to the noodles.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Slice them in half horizontally for quicker, more even cooking, and watch closely to avoid drying them out.

How do I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken or stir them into the sauce for a slow-building heat. You can also drizzle a bit of chili oil on top before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook everything and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Best eaten within 2–3 days for optimal texture.

What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?

Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or a mix of mozzarella and a little cream cheese for extra meltiness.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure the Parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Everything else should be naturally gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Of course! Spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are great mix-in options that blend well with the sauce.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat at medium or lower once the cream is added, and stir gently. Don’t let it boil hard—slow and steady gives the best texture.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is everything comfort food should be—rich, flavorful, and soul-satisfying. The juicy seared chicken pairs perfectly with the garlic-laced, creamy pasta for a meal that feels like it came from your favorite restaurant. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to impress guests. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or treating yourself to a little kitchen luxury, this dish always hits the mark.

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