If you’re craving a dish that combines rich flavors with comforting pasta, you’re going to fall in love with this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, featuring tender chicken strips enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne. This recipe delivers a wonderful balance of savory, creamy, and herbaceous notes that will make every bite a delight, proving that easy meals can absolutely taste gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, working harmoniously to build layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful inviting color. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: These provide tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly and soaks in the sauce beautifully.
- 8 oz penne pasta: A firm pasta shape that holds onto the creamy garlic sauce with every forkful.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: This is where the dish gets its bold, aromatic punch—garlic is a game-changer here.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and bring depth of flavor without overpowering the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, delivering that silky, indulgent texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty richness that complements the garlic and cream perfectly.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with traditional Italian flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight and balance all the other ingredients.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant color and slightly peppery finish to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat): A subtle kick for those who love a touch of spice.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling your penne in salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Draining and setting it aside prepares you to toss it with the sauce later, where it will soak up all the creamy garlic goodness.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Strips
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Cooking them for 5 to 7 minutes until just cooked through ensures they remain juicy and tender. Removing the chicken now allows you to create the sauce in the same pan, capturing all those flavorful bits left behind from the sear.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
With the skillet still warm, add your minced garlic and sauté gently for a minute or two. The goal here is to release its fragrant aroma without letting it burn. This garlic foundation is what makes the sauce truly shine and gives the dish its signature flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth next, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift those golden browned bits that carry a wealth of flavor. Letting the broth reduce for a few minutes intensifies the base of your sauce before adding the cream.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan Cheese
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a luscious, velvety texture that will coat the chicken and pasta beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, stirring so each piece is lovingly wrapped in that creamy garlic sauce. This step allows the flavors to meld perfectly and keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Step 7: Toss in the Penne Pasta
Add the drained penne pasta straight into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of extra chicken broth can help achieve the perfect consistency for drenching the pasta in indulgence.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serve
Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. These final touches add brightness, color, and an inviting finish to your Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe that makes it irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to garnish this dish, offering a lovely contrast in both color and flavor. You might also consider a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to add a little heat and visual appeal right at the table.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe in shallow bowls topped with a few whole basil leaves or an extra sprinkle of chopped parsley. You can also plate it with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a bit of sheen and richness that impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop more after resting, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. To maintain the creaminess, gently thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the sauce, other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will also work wonderfully.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half mixed with a bit of butter for a lighter version, but heavy cream gives the richest, creamiest texture, which is key to this recipe’s signature taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan Parmesan substitutes, you can adapt the recipe without sacrificing its creamy appeal.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should be opaque and no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes cooking time depending on the thickness. Using a meat thermometer, it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and boil the pasta ahead of time and then combine and finish the sauce when ready to serve, which will save you some time on a busy day.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate — quick to prepare but packed with flavor that impresses every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again. So grab those simple ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy 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 with al dente penne pasta, all smothered in a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken & Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce & Seasonings
- 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
- Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook 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 for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. If you like some heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Add Pasta: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
- If you prefer less spicy food, omit the red pepper flakes completely.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
