One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Corinne Griffith — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:49:08 +0000

This one-pan creamy garlic chicken pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels rich and comforting without turning the kitchen into a project. Tender seared chicken, penne pasta, garlic, parmesan, broth, and cream all come together in one skillet for a cozy dinner with big flavor and minimal cleanup.

The best part is how the pasta cooks right in the sauce. As the penne simmers, it releases starch into the broth and cream, helping the sauce cling to every bite. Add golden chicken and a snowy finish of parmesan, and you have a simple chicken pasta recipe that tastes like something you would order from a little neighborhood Italian spot.

If you love easy comfort food, you may also like Chefmaniac’s Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole, 5-Ingredient Stuffed Pepper Pasta, and the full collection of pasta recipes.

Why You Will Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

One-pan dinner: The chicken, sauce, and pasta all come together in the same skillet.
Big garlic-parmesan flavor: Butter, fresh garlic, cream, and parmesan make the sauce rich and savory.
Weeknight friendly: It is ready in about 35 minutes with simple grocery-store ingredients.
Family-approved: Creamy pasta and tender chicken are always an easy win at the table.
Easy to customize: Add spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, red pepper flakes, or extra cheese.

Ingredients You Need

2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Add the penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.

Step 6: Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.

Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken and place it back over the pasta.

Step 8: Finish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan, then serve warm.

Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta Sauce

The key to a smooth one-pan pasta sauce is patience. Keep the heat at a steady simmer, stir often, and give the pasta enough time to release starch into the broth and cream. That starch is what helps the sauce turn glossy instead of watery.

Use freshly minced garlic for the strongest flavor.
Do not boil the cream aggressively or the sauce can reduce too quickly.
Stir the parmesan in at the end so it melts smoothly.
Season in layers: chicken first, then the sauce near the end.
Let the finished pasta sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Easy Variations

This creamy garlic chicken pasta is flexible, which makes it a great clean-out-the-fridge dinner. Stir in baby spinach at the end, add steamed broccoli, or toss in sauteed mushrooms after the garlic. For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a little Cajun seasoning.

You can also swap the penne for rotini, rigatoni, shells, or farfalle. Smaller shapes may cook faster, while larger pasta shapes may need an extra splash of broth and a few more minutes.

What to Serve With It

This pasta is rich and creamy, so simple sides work best. Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, garlic bread, steamed green beans, or a light tomato cucumber salad. For more easy dinner ideas, browse Chefmaniac’s chicken recipes and quick and easy recipes.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Creamy pasta thickens as it chills, so reheat it gently with a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream. Warm it in the microwave in short bursts or in a skillet over low heat, stirring until the sauce loosens and the chicken is hot.

Recipe Notes

Stir the pasta often while it simmers so it cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is tender, add a small splash of broth or cream.
Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. Penne works well because it holds the creamy sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, shells, bow ties, or fettuccine can also work. Adjust the simmer time as needed.

Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Skip the chicken-searing step, make the garlic cream sauce, simmer the pasta, then stir in shredded rotisserie chicken near the end just long enough to warm it through.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Add a small splash of chicken broth or cream if the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it is fully tender.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, broccoli, peas, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes all work well with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

Can I make it ahead?

This dish is best fresh, but leftovers reheat well. If making ahead, keep a little extra broth or cream on hand to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Final Thoughts

One-pan creamy garlic chicken pasta is creamy, garlicky, and ridiculous in the best way: simple ingredients, one skillet, big comfort-food energy, and zero regrets.