Irresistibly Creamy One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta
Ever had a dish that smells so good, it makes you do a little happy dance in the kitchen? This One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta will have you twirling in delight! Imagine creamy pasta enveloping juicy chicken and garlic—sounds heavenly, right? The best part? It all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Say goodbye to piles of dishes and hello to your new favorite easy weeknight dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
Let’s face it, in today’s chaotic world, the best meals are the ones that don’t require a mountain of pots and pans. You’re going to love this dish because:
Easy Cleanup: Seriously, who wants to spend the evening washing dishes? Not me!
Family-Friendly: Kids love creamy pasta, and adults? Well, we just love anything that tastes this good!
Quick & Delicious: You can whip this up in no time, leaving more moments to savor your food and life. 😉
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
It’s as easy as pie (or should I say pasta?):
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta (Overview)
Let’s chat about the magic behind this creamy wonder! Start by sautéing your chicken until it’s golden—this adds a killer flavor. Who doesn’t love a little browning action to make everything taste more delicious? Next, you’ll toss in minced garlic for that aromatic punch. Once you’ve got your chicken all cozy in the pot, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer before adding the penne.
The secret sauce? Mixing in heavy cream and parmesan at the end for that ultra-creamy goodness. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference!
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta
To serve, for a bit of extra flair, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top. The vibrant green against the creamy pasta looks so inviting! Pair this dish with a crisp side salad or some crunchy garlic bread for an extra treat. The aroma wafting through your house? Pure bliss! 🍽️
How to Store One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re thinking long-term, this dish keeps well in the freezer for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to refresh the sauce!
Tips to Make One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta
Timing is everything: Don’t overcook your pasta; it continues to cook in the sauce. 🕰️
Swap it up: Use whole wheat or gluten-free penne if you’re looking for healthier options.
Cheese options: Not a parmesan fan? Try mozzarella or add a sprinkle of ricotta for creaminess!
Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Variation
Feeling creative? You can easily make this dish vegan by swapping the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Want a spicy kick? Add some red pepper flakes to awaken those taste buds! 🌶️
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap penne for any pasta shape you have on hand, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Just cook it right before you’re ready to serve for the freshest flavor.
3. How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. You can also pop it in the microwave, but stir it halfway for even heating.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.