Description
Looking for the ultimate weeknight dinner idea that feels indulgent yet easy to pull together? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta checks all the boxes. Juicy, golden-seared chicken thighs are paired with a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of pasta. Whether you’re after a comforting easy recipe or exploring new dinner ideas, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—a perfect option for anyone needing quick yet satisfying food ideas, from easy dinners to next-day lunch leftovers.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer 2–3 minutes.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
7. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Add pasta water a splash at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Return the chicken to the pan or serve it on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Always use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
Save pasta water! It helps adjust the sauce to your desired consistency.
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, garlic Parmesan pasta, weeknight dinner, food ideas