If you crave cozy comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta is calling your name. Picture perfectly seared, juicy chicken thighs coated in a garlicky butter glaze, paired with penne pasta smothered in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes you pause for a second bite before finishing your first.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen without the fuss. It’s rich, hearty, and guaranteed to win over anyone who takes a bite.

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

Satisfying Comfort: Every forkful is creamy, cheesy, and soul-warming.
Bold Flavor: The chicken is seasoned and seared to perfection, while the garlic-Parmesan sauce is luxuriously flavorful.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, special occasions, or a hearty weeknight dinner.
Balanced & Filling: Protein-rich chicken pairs perfectly with the carb base for a complete meal.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this dish is straightforward with the right tools on hand:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Ideal for searing chicken to achieve that golden crust and flavorful fond.
Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: Needed for preparing the creamy Parmesan sauce and boiling pasta.
Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Helps to flip the chicken evenly without tearing the skin.
Grater or Microplane: For freshly grating Parmesan, which melts better and tastes richer than pre-packaged options.
Colander: To drain your pasta efficiently while preserving a bit of pasta water for sauce consistency.

Each tool adds efficiency and precision, ensuring the textures and layers of flavor in this meal are on point.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless) – Provides juicy, rich flavor and holds up well to searing.
Penne Pasta – The tubular shape holds the creamy sauce in every bite.
Garlic (minced) – Brings depth and aromatic warmth to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) – The core of the sauce; salty, nutty, and creamy when melted.
Heavy Cream – Forms the luscious base of the cheesy sauce.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create the garlic base.
Olive Oil – Assists in searing the chicken to a golden perfection.
Salt & Pepper – For seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
Italian Seasoning or Fresh Herbs (optional) – Enhances overall aroma and visual appeal.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a hot cast iron skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring occasionally. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Use a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Slice or serve the chicken thighs whole on top of the cheesy pasta. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is best served fresh off the stove, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan for presentation. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Freezing: Not ideal for freezing, as creamy sauces may separate upon thawing. If needed, freeze only the chicken and cook fresh pasta and sauce when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cream cheese for a slightly lighter version.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breast works well too, just be sure not to overcook it so it stays juicy.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all. It’s a mild, savory dish. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a kick.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve some pasta water when draining. Add it gradually to loosen the sauce to your liking.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are great alternatives that hold sauce well.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but cook pasta fresh for best texture.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Penne Pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy these mouthwatering recipes too:

These dishes continue the theme of creamy, cheesy comfort meals with bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with thighs or breasts? Did you amp up the garlic? Maybe a sprinkle of chili?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

You can also follow along with my latest creations on Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart where I share new dinner inspiration daily.