If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and irresistibly flavorful dinner, the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe is your soon-to-be favorite go-to meal. This dish brings together tender strips of chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that’s bursting with Parmesan goodness. Every bite offers a silky texture and a cozy warmth that feels like a hug from the inside. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend feast, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking, let’s appreciate how these straightforward ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures in your Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe. Each item plays its part: from the juicy chicken that brings protein and heartiness, to the garlic and Parmesan that elevate the sauce into something truly special.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: These provide tender, succulent bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The tube shape holds creamy sauce perfectly, making each forkful delightful.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to cook the chicken to golden perfection and add subtle richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that adds warmth and aroma to the dish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps keep it light yet flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly silky texture and richness everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding saltiness and sharp tang.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: Brings a balanced blend of herbs for a classic Italian vibe.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness at the end.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat): Perfect if you like a subtle kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This gives the pasta a firm bite that will hold up nicely when tossed in the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set it aside—keep it warm if you can.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Strips
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat to create that perfect sear. Add the chicken strips and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for a classic flavor boost. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is golden and thoroughly cooked, with no pink inside. Removing the chicken now lets you prepare the sauce in the same pan, capturing all those lovely browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss the minced garlic into the hot skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant—but be careful not to let it burn, as that can introduce bitterness. This step infuses the oil and pan with that signature garlic aroma that makes this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe so enticing.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly and concentrate those big, savory flavors that form the base of our sauce.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, gently bringing the mixture to a simmer. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and continue cooking for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens into a luscious coating perfect for both chicken and pasta.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, carefully tossing to coat every piece in that dreamy cream sauce. This step ensures each bite of chicken is packed with flavor and silky smooth texture.
Step 7: Add the Penne Pasta
Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each hollow pasta tube is filled with the garlic cream sauce. If you notice the sauce is too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth to reach the perfect consistency for a sumptuous dinner.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan on top for a burst of color, freshness, and cheesy goodness. Dive in while everything’s warm and inviting—this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe is best enjoyed straight off the stove!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is not just a pretty garnish but adds a bright herbal note that balances the richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan takes the dish to the next level, and if you’re feeling daring, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle spicy contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. The freshness and crunch from these sides provide a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta, making your meal feel complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe directly from the skillet to keep it warm and cozy on the table. For a fancier presentation, plate individual servings with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side to add a zesty brightness on demand.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day meals just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the dish in a freezer-safe container. Keep it for up to 2 months. To prevent sauce separation, gently reheat rather than microwaving on high.
Reheating
Reheat the frozen or refrigerated recipe in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much, restoring that original creamy texture you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine could work beautifully and offer a slightly different texture and presentation.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it makes a great meal prep option. Just store in individual containers after cooking, and you’ll have tasty lunches or dinners ready to go throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to create a creamy texture without dairy. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that’s subtle rather than overpowering, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste or skip entirely if you prefer mild flavors.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully, balancing richness with refreshing acidity for a perfect dining experience.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe is a total winner any night of the week. Its luxurious sauce, tender chicken, and effortless pasta combine into a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable. Give it a try, and I promise it will find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation and your heart.
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is a comforting one-pan dish combining tender chicken strips, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Protein & 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 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
- Cook the 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 the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the skillet’s bottom. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and stir well to coat them evenly in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together thoroughly to combine and ensure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you like a spicier flavor, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
