Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne

If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is your new go-to. Picture this: tender pieces of juicy chicken tossed in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta. The garlic is bold and fragrant, but not overpowering, and the creaminess adds that velvety texture that makes every bite feel like a hug. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

This dish is everything you want in a comfort meal—easy to make, indulgent, and absolutely satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, but fancy enough to impress guests at your next dinner party. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating that perfect meal to share with family and friends or savor on your own. Here’s why this dish will win you over:

Creamy Comfort: The creamy garlic sauce is the star of this dish, with just the right balance of flavors that coat the pasta and chicken. It’s rich, smooth, and absolutely comforting.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need hours to make something this delicious. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in no time.
Versatile: This dish is a great canvas for adding your own spin—throw in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for an extra pop of flavor!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight family dinner or making it for friends, everyone is going to love it. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for satisfying big appetites.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a hit with the little ones, too!

Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy masterpiece:

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook up tender and juicy. The chicken is seasoned simply, then sautéed to perfection.

Penne Pasta

Penne is the ideal pasta shape for this dish. Its tube-like shape holds onto the creamy sauce, making each bite perfectly sauced. Of course, you can use any pasta you like, but penne is the classic choice here.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is a must for that delicious, aromatic base. It’s the secret ingredient that infuses the entire dish with that irresistible flavor.

Heavy Cream

For that rich, creamy texture that ties everything together, heavy cream is the star. It thickens the sauce and gives it that silky smooth finish.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor to the sauce and helps it thicken even more. It also creates that luxurious finish on top!

Olive Oil

Used to sauté the chicken, olive oil adds richness and helps give the chicken a beautiful golden sear.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth helps to create the sauce base, adding flavor without being too heavy. You could also use vegetable broth if you prefer.

Salt & Pepper

Essential for seasoning, a little salt and pepper bring out all the flavors in the dish.

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this creamy, garlicky goodness:

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the hot skillet for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and fragrant, not brown.

Add the Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

Add the Parmesan

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted into the sauce, making it thick, smooth, and creamy.

Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the sliced chicken, making sure everything is well-coated in the sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the creamy garlic chicken and penne immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~500-600 (depending on portion size and ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne

This dish is perfect on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:

With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness of the creamy pasta.
Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread. The warm, toasty bread is perfect for dipping into the extra creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are an excellent way to add some color and nutrition to the meal.
Wine Pairing: A nice glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Additional Tips

Make It Even Creamier: If you want to take the creaminess up a notch, add a little cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce along with the heavy cream. It adds richness and smoothness.
Add Vegetables: You can easily make this a one-pan meal by adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
Chicken Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a different twist on the dish.
Leftovers: Leftovers store well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the creamy sauce smooth.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like. Fettuccine, farfalle, or rigatoni would all work well with the creamy garlic sauce.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss in the pasta and chicken.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A3: Definitely! You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. Just add it to the sauce once the garlic and cream have simmered, and you’ll be good to go.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Freezing this dish can be tricky due to the creamy sauce, which may separate when reheated. If you want to freeze it, try freezing the pasta and sauce separately, and combine them once you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

There’s something so comforting about Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne—it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough for a special occasion, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over again. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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