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
Scale
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.
