If warm comfort food counts among your favorites, then this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe is going to steal your heart and your dinner table. Picture tender strips of chicken enveloped in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce swirling with rich Parmesan and Italian herbs, all tossed effortlessly with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s that kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, easy enough for a weekday meal but special enough to impress friends and family. Every bite delivers a creamy, garlicky punch that’s balanced just right, making this recipe a true standout in the world of creamy chicken pasta dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe right is all about simple yet essential ingredients that bring incredible flavor and texture to the table. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s giving the sauce its velvety richness, adding the aromatic garlicky punch, or giving the dish its beautiful color and satisfying bite.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: Provides juicy, tender protein and the main star of the dish.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Its tube shape perfectly holds the creamy sauce for a satisfying mouthful every time.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and is perfect for cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that irresistible, warm garlicky aroma and taste.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps build the sauce’s base, adding flavor while keeping it light.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to the dish’s dreamy, silky creaminess that coats every bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty richness that enhances depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that add classic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle kick of heat if you like a bit of spice.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by cooking your penne pasta in generously salted boiling water until it’s al dente—tender but with a slight bite. This texture is perfect because it holds up beautifully to the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Once it’s cooked, drain and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken Strips
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your chicken strips. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and that inviting Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside, browning just enough to develop flavor. Once ready, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest for a moment.
Step 3: Toast the Garlic
In the same skillet, drop in the minced garlic. This step is where the magic really starts—the garlic releases its natural oils, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma. Cook it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits pack incredible flavor and add depth to your sauce. Let the broth simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes to reduce a bit and concentrate the flavors.
Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce
Slowly add your heavy cream to the skillet, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and thicken the sauce beautifully. Cook the sauce for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches that perfect creamy consistency that clings to every piece of penne.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring it into the luscious cream sauce so all those tender strips are well-coated and flavorful. The chicken will soak up some of the sauce, making each bite dreamy and moist.
Step 7: Toss in the Penne Pasta
Now it’s time to add the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure each tube of pasta is lovingly enveloped in the sauce. If your sauce feels a little too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it up and get the ideal texture.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a colorful and flavorful touch. Serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but adds a gentle herbal note that lifts the heavy creaminess. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese lends more nutty savoriness and a lovely finish. If you’ve opted for red pepper flakes, a quick sprinkle on top can add that exciting little pop of heat that some crave.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs perfectly with crisp green salads, roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli, or even garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. A light, citrusy side can contrast beautifully with the richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate this to a dinner party-worthy dish, serve it in shallow bowls to showcase the gorgeous creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a few shavings of Parmesan for added flair. Alternatively, try plating the chicken strips on top of a nest of pasta and drizzle the sauce artistically around the plate for a sophisticated presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers should be promptly cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce keeps well and flavors actually deepen overnight. Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days refrigerated.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen if necessary, though cream-based sauces sometimes change texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. This prevents curdling and restores that lovely creamy texture you enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly because it holds onto the sauce so well, feel free to substitute rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just remember to adjust cooking times since different pasta shapes cook at different rates.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious and creamy.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas would be fantastic additions. Add them in when you’re creating the sauce or toss them in with the pasta to brighten and bulk up the dish.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the chicken?
Cut the chicken into even strips and cook on medium heat just until fully opaque and no longer pink inside. Overcooked chicken tends to dry out, so keeping an eye on color and texture is key.
How spicy is the dish if I add red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that gently warms the palate without overpowering the flavors. You can always adjust the amount or leave it out if you prefer a milder taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals without fuss. It’s a perfect blend of creamy goodness, garlicky warmth, and comforting pasta that comes together quickly, making weeknight dinners delightful or weekend feasts memorable. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every velvety bite!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne recipe features tender chicken strips cooked in a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a quick and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners, offering classic Italian flavors with a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Chicken & Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 8 oz penne pasta
For the Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove the 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 burn it.
- Deglaze skillet with broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Add red pepper flakes if using for a mild heat.
- Add pasta and mix: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, combining thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to adjust consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve the dish immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder won’t provide the same aroma.
- To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, although sauce will be less thick.
- For gluten-free, swap penne pasta with a gluten-free variety.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle spicy kick.
