“`html
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely need to try this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken strips, al dente penne pasta, and a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s packed with comforting flavors. Every bite bursts with richness from the Parmesan, freshness from the parsley, and just the right touch of Italian seasoning to keep things interesting. This recipe is incredibly simple but delivers restaurant-quality results that make weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the succulent chicken to the creamy sauce and the aromatic garlic, every element is essential to this dish’s success.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: This lean protein cooks quickly and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The tubular shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a silky smooth base for cooking the chicken and garlic, enhancing their natural flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the star that brings a fragrant, savory punch to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, helping to create a rich but balanced sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the dish’s creamy texture, making the sauce irresistibly indulgent.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty complexity that elevates the sauce to new heights.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that tie the dish together with classic Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to seasoning the chicken and sauce perfectly.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor at the finish.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, this kick enhances every bite without overpowering.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the sauce, so it stays fresh and ready to soak up those incredible flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken strips. Season generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning to bring out the herby notes. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to keep it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Flavor
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned, as this is where the magic starts to happen, laying the foundation for your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift any flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken. Let this simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate its savory goodness.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens into a velvety coating that’s rich and addictive.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the sauce, tossing it around so that every piece gets lovingly coated. This step ensures the meat stays flavorful and moist without drying out.
Step 7: Toss in the Penne
Add your cooked penne pasta directly to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to fully coat the pasta in the luscious creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach just the right consistency.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Serve it immediately for that ultimate comforting meal.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a bright, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A little extra grated Parmesan on top gives a delightful cheesy finish, while the optional red pepper flakes bring warmth and spice that excite your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up the excess sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans offer a lovely contrast with their fresh, crunchy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs alongside lemon wedges. You can also serve the pasta family-style in a rustic skillet placed at the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools to room temperature before storing to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well when packed properly. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Be mindful that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly after freezing, but reheated thoughtfully, it remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s smoothness. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can cause the cream to break apart.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because its shape holds the sauce beautifully, feel free to swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still wonderfully rich.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The chicken should be opaque all the way through with no pink inside, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The strips will also feel firm but tender when poked gently.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it separately. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked chicken and pasta for the best texture.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
In a pinch, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a bit of extra seasoning. Chicken broth adds the most depth, but these alternatives still yield tasty results.
Final Thoughts
Making the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe at home is truly a joy—it’s quick, comforting, and impressively flavorful with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a cozy solo meal, this dish is bound to satisfy your cravings and maybe even become a beloved go-to in your recipe rotation. Don’t wait to dive in and savor every creamy, garlicky bite!
“`
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne recipe combines tender chicken strips cooked to perfection in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with al dente penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 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
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Allow broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss all ingredients together to combine and coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, adjust by adding a little more chicken broth until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately to enjoy this creamy garlic chicken and penne at its best.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less thick.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and add a gentle heat to balance the richness of the cream sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
