If you have a craving for something rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Packed with tender strips of chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious garlic-infused creamy sauce, every bite feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s the kind of meal that’s simple enough for a weekday night but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share the table with you. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish’s taste, texture, and irresistible aroma.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: The star protein, tender and juicy after cooking.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce beautifully in its ridges and tubes.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The key flavor booster that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savory note to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the velvety, luscious base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharpness and umami, enhancing every bite.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and an herbaceous touch.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor to finish.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat if you like a bit of a spicy kick.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it well and set it aside so the pasta doesn’t get sticky. This perfect al dente pasta will soak up all the creamy goodness in the next steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but careful not to let it burn. This step unlocks the incredible aroma that will elevate your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the liquid reduces slightly, intensifying the taste.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce thickens beautifully, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creamy sauce is exactly why this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe is so beloved!
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss them in the creamy garlic sauce. Make sure every piece is coated in that luscious sauce, infusing the chicken with flavor and moisture.
Step 7: Add the Pasta
Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine well and ensure the pasta is completely coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, simply splash in a bit more chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley and an extra pinch of Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving. These simple touches add brightness and a lovely final flourish to your Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here, adding a burst of green and a hint of freshness to balance the creamy richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese just before serving adds a sharp, savory note that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
To round out this indulgent meal, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans work perfectly. They add a fresh and crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta and chicken. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also wonderful for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the creamy garlic chicken and penne in warmed shallow bowls or pasta plates for an elegant touch. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top or sprinkle some toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on the side can elevate the presentation even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy garlic chicken and penne into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing any of the flavors or texture, making it a great option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covering the dish and stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is fantastic for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can swap it for rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine if you prefer. Just keep cooking times in mind for al dente results.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just be aware that the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Try incorporating spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms when you add the garlic in step 3. Vegetables add extra color, nutrients, and more layers of flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to eat and combine everything for the best texture.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay pairs beautifully, cutting through the creaminess with bright acidity. For red lovers, a light Pinot Noir is a lovely match, too.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence that every home cook dreams about. It’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights or a relaxed weekend dinner. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne recipe features tender strips of chicken breast cooked in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. The dish is rich, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it is cooked through and has no pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn as this could add bitterness to the sauce.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate their flavor. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the cream sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, stirring to coat them thoroughly with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Mix pasta into sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together carefully to ensure the pasta is completely coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic cooking step or garnish with extra.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting.
- Reserve some pasta water if you want an alternative way to adjust sauce consistency.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
