Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken with cheesy penne pasta recipe is the perfect comfort food. Juicy seared chicken thighs are paired with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce and penne pasta, making it a satisfying, family-friendly dinner. Ideal for pasta lovers and chicken dinner fans alike.
Ingredients
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
10 oz penne pasta
4 cloves garlic minced
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove and set aside.
3. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently. Once warm, add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
7. Return chicken to the skillet or serve sliced over the pasta.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Always grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
Stir the sauce constantly to prevent the cream from curdling or sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 590
- Fat: 42
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 165