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
Scale
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.
