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- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make this dish, you need some key ingredients. First, the uncooked penne pasta serves as the base. The chicken gives it a hearty touch. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking. Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste. Low-sodium chicken broth adds depth to the pasta. Heavy cream creates a rich, creamy sauce. Italian seasoning blend gives extra flavor. Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy finish. Don’t forget the salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish! - Large pot - Spoon or spatula - Knife and cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons You will need some basic cooking tools. A large pot is essential for cooking everything in one place. A spoon or spatula helps stir the ingredients. Use a knife and cutting board to chop the chicken and garlic. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the right amounts. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken. Season it well with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until golden brown. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it is no longer pink. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not brown or burnt. This step is key to keeping the garlic sweet and mild. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a rapid boil. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and Italian seasoning. Ensure all the pasta is well submerged in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente. Most of the broth will be absorbed by this time. Now, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything well. You want the cheese to melt and form a creamy sauce. Taste the dish and add more salt and black pepper if needed. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken up nicely. To make this dish shine, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Start with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste as you go, and add more if needed. I always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese. Simmering time is key for a creamy sauce. Make sure you let the pasta cook until it’s al dente. After mixing in the cream and cheese, remove the pot from heat. Let the dish rest for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken nicely. Garnish your pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. It adds a nice touch and fresh taste. You can also pair this meal with a simple salad or some crusty bread. These sides balance the rich flavors and make for a delightful meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor and creaminess of the dish. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute with more chicken broth. Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook the penne until al dente for the best texture; it will continue to cook slightly after adding the sauce. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous amount of Parmesan on top not only adds flavor but also a beautiful presentation. {{image_4}} You can change the chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp or tofu for a twist. Both options work well and add new flavors. You can also swap the penne pasta for any pasta shape you like. Fusilli or farfalle are great choices and will hold the sauce nicely. Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. Try spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients. You can also mix in spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat. Fresh basil or thyme adds a nice touch. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. It cooks similarly, so your dish remains creamy. If you want a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the meal tasty for everyone. To store your One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in the fridge, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to reheat it well before serving! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this dish. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream for extra creaminess. This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You will spend around 10 minutes prepping. The cooking time is about 20 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. To store it, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of cream if needed to bring back the creaminess. If the pasta is overcooked, it may become mushy. To avoid this, watch the cook time closely. Stir the pasta as it cooks. Test it a minute or two before the time is up. If you overcook it, you can try adding fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to boost flavor. This blog post covers how to make a delicious penne pasta dish. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, garlic, and cream, plus the tools you'll need. We discussed step-by-step cooking tips, variations for customization, and storage options for leftovers. With these insights, you can create a flavorful meal tailored to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, so get cooking!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by warming 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the diced chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful to prevent it from burning.
  • Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and Italian seasoning, ensuring all pasta is submerged in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and the majority of the broth has been absorbed.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
  • Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

Spoon the creamy chicken penne into shallow bowls and top with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta