1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.