Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

Introduction

There’s something about creamy garlic chicken penne that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s rich, cheesy, and filled with tender chicken pieces all coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something a little more special to serve for a casual gathering, this dish is a winner. The best part? It’s easy to throw together with just a handful of ingredients, and it’ll leave your kitchen smelling like a cozy Italian restaurant.

This creamy garlic chicken penne has become a staple in my house. It’s one of those meals where everyone sits back at the end, completely satisfied. My kids love the creamy sauce, and it’s one of the few dishes where there’s no arguing at the dinner table! I first made this recipe when I was short on time but wanted something that felt homemade and comforting. Little did I know it would become a weekly favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this creamy garlic chicken penne:

• Easy to make: With simple, everyday ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to pull off this restaurant-quality meal.
• Family-friendly: It’s kid-approved! The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a hit with both kids and adults. If you have picky eaters, this one is sure to please.
• Rich and flavorful: The garlic gives the sauce a deep, savory flavor, while the cream and cheese add richness. The chicken pieces soak up all that flavor, making each bite mouthwatering.
• Comfort food at its finest: Sometimes, you just need a bowl of creamy pasta to make everything better. This recipe hits all the right notes for a comforting, satisfying meal.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Want to add veggies? Go ahead! Need to use up leftover chicken? Perfect! This recipe is flexible.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Nutrition facts per serving:
Calories: 560, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Key Ingredient Descriptions:

Here’s the some ingredients needed in Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne:

• Chicken breasts: Diced chicken provides the protein for this dish and soaks up the delicious garlic sauce.
• Garlic: Four cloves of garlic infuse the cream sauce with a rich, savory flavor.
• Heavy cream: The base of our luxurious sauce. It adds thickness and richness.
• Parmesan cheese: This salty, nutty cheese melts into the sauce, adding depth and flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that complement the garlic and chicken beautifully.
• Penne pasta: Perfect for catching all that creamy sauce in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your very own Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne:

1st STEP: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Tip: Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. You can use this to thin out the sauce later if needed.

2ND STEP: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the chicken sear and develop a nice golden crust. You might need to cook the chicken in batches if your pan isn’t large enough.

3RD STEP: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.

Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These add great flavor! Let the broth simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.

Now, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from boiling.

Tip: Keep the heat low once you add the cream, as you don’t want it to curdle.

4TH STEP: Add the Cheeses

Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted into the sauce, making it thick and creamy. For extra cheesiness, you can also add the mozzarella cheese at this point. Stir until fully incorporated.

Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

5TH STEP: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy garlic sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

Tip: Make sure the chicken is warm when you add it back to the sauce. You can cover the skillet for a minute or two if needed to let everything heat through evenly.

6TH STEP: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the creamy garlic chicken penne to a large serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you like. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Optional: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve

There are so many delicious ways to serve this creamy garlic chicken penne. Here are a few ideas:

• Classic option: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. The crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Lighter option: Pair with a crisp, fresh salad, like a Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish.
• Kid-friendly option: Serve with some buttered vegetables like broccoli or peas. The mild flavors of the veggies work well with the creamy pasta.

Additional Tips

To help you nail this recipe every time, here are a few extra tips:

1. Don’t overcook the pasta: Penne is best when it’s cooked al dente—firm to the bite. It’ll absorb some sauce, so be careful not to overcook it.
2. Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor. Jarred garlic won’t have the same impact on the sauce.
3. Toast the garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic when cooking. You want it golden and fragrant, but not burned, as burnt garlic can add bitterness to the dish.
4. Add vegetables: If you’re looking to add a bit of greenery, throw in some fresh spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down nicely in the hot sauce.
5. Reheating leftovers: To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pasta and warm it over low heat. This keeps the sauce from becoming too thick.

Recipe Variations

This creamy garlic chicken penne is wonderfully versatile. Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while making the sauce.
• Add greens: For a healthier twist, stir in fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. It adds a nice pop of color and nutrients.
• Swap the pasta: Not a fan of penne? Try this recipe with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
• Lighter version: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or use Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangy alternative.

Freezing and Storage

These Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne can be stored for later enjoyment:

Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the sauce creamy.

Freezing: This dish freezes well! Once the pasta has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Special Equipment

To make these Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne, you’ll need a few handy tools:

• Large skillet: A wide, deep skillet works best for making the sauce and tossing everything together.
• Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Garlic press: If you want to save time, a garlic press is handy for quickly mincing garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching the creamy sauce in its little ridges, you can swap it out for any pasta shape you like. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work well in this recipe.

Q: How can I make this recipe lighter?

A: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, although the sauce may be a little thinner. Another option is to use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter but still creamy texture. Just be sure to add it at the very end and avoid cooking it over high heat to prevent curdling.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the dish?

A: Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli make great additions. You can stir them in toward the end of cooking so they stay vibrant and fresh. Roasted veggies like zucchini or mushrooms would also be delicious.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

A: If your sauce thickens too much, especially after adding the cheese, simply add a little reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or milk to loosen it up. Stir gently until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance, but pasta is best cooked fresh. If making ahead, store the chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop. Cook the pasta just before serving and toss it into the warmed sauce.

Q: What should I do if my garlic burns?

A: If the garlic burns while cooking, it’s best to start over with fresh garlic. Burnt garlic can give the dish a bitter flavor, which will overpower the creamy sauce.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes, this dish freezes well! Cool the pasta completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is the perfect dish for those nights when you crave something indulgent yet simple. It’s a meal that checks all the boxes: quick to make, delicious, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. From the rich, garlicky sauce to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, every bite feels like a warm, comforting treat.

This recipe’s flexibility makes it even more appealing. You can swap out ingredients, add vegetables, or adjust the creaminess depending on your preferences, making it your own personalized dish. It’s also ideal for both special occasions and busy weeknights—one of those dishes that looks impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it to guests, it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it anytime you want without the hassle of cooking from scratch.

So, next time you’re in the mood for something creamy, flavorful, and undeniably comforting, try this Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. Trust me, it’s a recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds—maybe even thirds!