If you’re searching for the ultimate indulgence in comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. Each bite is bursting with tender juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety sauce packed with bold garlic and Parmesan flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, this pasta delights everyone—trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is how it transforms simple kitchen staples into an unforgettable meal. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing to the creamy texture, savory depth, and inviting aroma that make this dish so addictive.
- Penne pasta: The ideal hearty tube shape, perfectly holds all that luscious garlic sauce and stands up to hearty pieces of chicken.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base flavor and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and protein-packed—they soak up the savory marinade and stay perfectly tender.
- Garlic: Four cloves may sound bold, but fresh minced garlic brings the real magic, infusing each bite with warmth and depth.
- Unsalted butter: Blends with the garlic to create a truly velvety, flavor-packed sauce.
- All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the sauce, creating that classic creamy consistency without any lumps.
- Chicken broth: Adds complexity and balances the richness, layering in delicious savory notes.
- Heavy cream: The must-have for decadently creamy sauces—whips up into a dreamy texture in minutes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings the nutty, salty kick and helps the sauce cling lovingly to the pasta.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs brightens the dish and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, but vital—don’t forget to season at each step for maximum flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The final flourish; a sprinkle of fresh green color and herbaceous finish brightens everything up.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain well, then set aside. Keeping the pasta slightly underdone ensures it soaks up all that creamy sauce when tossed together at the end, locking in the flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them well with salt and pepper. Sear them until they’re golden-brown on the outside and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, but leave any flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
With the skillet still hot, turn the heat to medium and add butter. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 1 or 2 minutes to create a smooth, golden roux. This is where the magic begins: slowly add the chicken broth, whisking the whole time to avoid lumps. Pour in the heavy cream, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, and then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until everything is melted and thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Step 4: Toss Chicken and Pasta Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any juices. Add the drained penne and toss everything together vigorously to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. You’ll notice how the pasta soaks up all those savory flavors, and everything becomes irresistibly silky and rich.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne onto plates or into shallow bowls. Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Serve hot, and don’t forget extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese on your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. For a restaurant-worthy touch, add a twist of freshly ground black pepper and maybe a little grated lemon zest for a kick of brightness.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some simple garlic bread perfectly balances the richness of the pasta. Lightly roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also round out the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne in a big, beautiful family-style platter topped with colorful herbs, or plate it individually with a swirl for extra flair. Hosting a party? Serve it in small bowls or cups as an elevated pasta bar option—your guests will love the presentation and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving. It keeps well for up to three days—just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve the creamy texture and freshness.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce may separate slightly after thawing, you can freeze this dish for up to a month. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and stir well while reheating to help the sauce recombine.
Reheating
For reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne, place it in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to refresh the sauce. Stir gently and heat until warmed through—the sauce will turn silky again, just like the first time!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for capturing the creamy sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just cook according to the package directions and proceed as usual.
Is there a lighter version of Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne?
Yes! For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and use less Parmesan if needed. You can also bulk up the dish with extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and nutrition.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook and assemble everything ahead, then store it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to restore the luscious, creamy sauce before serving. It’s a real time-saver for busy nights or entertaining.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce. Double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well for a safe, delicious meal everyone can enjoy.
What protein alternatives work well instead of chicken?
Try shrimp, salmon, or even sliced Italian sausage as fantastic substitutes for chicken. Or, for a vegetarian version, toss in sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas—the creamy garlic sauce is endlessly versatile!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into a warm plate of Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. There’s just something irresistible about the blend of flavors and the ease of preparation that makes this recipe a staple in any kitchen. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and prepare for some very happy faces at the table!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy garlic chicken penne dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. This Italian-inspired recipe features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic cream sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken pieces in olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, pour in chicken broth, add cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked penne, toss to coat. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
