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
Scale
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
