If you’re craving a dinner that feels a little bit special but is simple enough to whip up on a busy evening, Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite is the answer you’ve been searching for. This luscious pasta brings together tender chicken, a dreamy garlic cream sauce, and vibrant spinach, all tossed with perfectly al dente penne. Each bite delivers comfort and flavor in equal measure, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for hectic weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a rich, satisfying dish without any fuss. These kitchen staples work together to build layers of flavor, creamy texture, and a pop of color that make each plate irresistible.
- Penne pasta: Firm, tube-shaped penne is perfect for catching the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Olive oil: A touch of olive oil helps brown the chicken and lay the foundation for the sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay tender.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of savory flavor that’s the backbone of this dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle, warming heat in their pasta.
- Heavy cream: The key to achieving that silky, luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding freshness and color.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A vibrant garnish that lifts the whole plate visually and in taste.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—this ensures it holds up perfectly in the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Let them sizzle for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in all the juicy flavor.
Step 3: Build the Flavor with Garlic and Spice
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick). Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and starting to turn golden. This is where the aroma starts to fill your kitchen and you know something delicious is on the way!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all those lovely pan flavors. Add in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. The transformation into a velvety coating is pure magic.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked penne pasta and fresh spinach right into the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the spinach is wilted and every piece of pasta is beautifully coated in that creamy, garlicky sauce. Your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite is ready to shine!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness. You can also give your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite an extra flourish with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of cracked black pepper.
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich and filling, so keep sides light. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, some roasted broccoli, or a basket of warm, crusty bread are perfect companions that round out the meal without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your family or guests, try serving Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite in individual bowls topped with extra spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. For a family-style dinner, pile it high on a platter and let everyone dig in—don’t forget a big spoon for scooping up all that luscious sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen, so your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite will be just as tasty the next day—if not even better!
Freezing
While the creamy sauce can sometimes separate when frozen, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low-to-medium heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to help the sauce regain its creamy consistency. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir well to avoid overheating and drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic and holds the sauce beautifully, feel free to swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti—whatever you have on hand will work well in Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. For an even lighter take, try using whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit thinner but still delicious.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free penne pasta and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite without worry.
What vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes are wonderful additions—simply sauté them with the garlic. You can also toss in bell peppers or peas for added color and nutrition.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
If your sauce gets a bit too thick after mixing everything together, just add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This trick keeps your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite perfectly luscious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite enough—it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort to your table with minimal effort, and it never fails to impress. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite just as much as my family does!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is a delicious and comforting weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and penne pasta in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This Italian-American favorite is quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Broth: Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Spinach: Stir in the cooked penne pasta and fresh spinach. Cook briefly until the spinach wilts and the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter sauce option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
