One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta
A creamy and comforting one-pot pasta dish that's fast, budget-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight dinner, making it a family-favorite option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta Gluten-free pasta works great if needed.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced Can substitute with boneless skinless thighs for more flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Do not burn the garlic.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use good quality for the best flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth May need to add more if liquid gets low.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning for personal preference.
- Parsley for garnish Makes the dish feel special.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Cooking the Pasta
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
- Taste for salt and pepper, adjust as necessary, then add parsley.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley.
Notes
Make-ahead: refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze separately. Can easily be customized with additional vegetables or different cheeses.