Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

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Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is the quintessential “weeknight win.” It features tender, golden-brown chicken breast tossed in a luxurious, garlic-infused cream sauce that clings perfectly to the ridges of the penne pasta.

While it feels like an indulgence you would order at a high-end Italian bistro, it comes together in one pan (plus the pasta pot) in about 30 minutes. The secret lies in deglazing the pan with a little chicken broth to capture all the flavorful browned bits from the chicken.

Ingredients

  • The Pasta:
    • 12 oz Penne Rigate (the ridges hold the sauce best)
  • The Chicken:
    • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • Salt & Pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • The Garlic Cream Sauce:
    • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
    • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
    • 1.5 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a subtle warmth)
    • Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

  • Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
  • Large Skillet or Deep Sauté Pan: To cook the chicken and build the sauce.

Time & Servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4 to 6 people

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sear the Chicken

While the water boils, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release the browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes until it begins to thicken.

5. Melt the Parmesan

Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

6. Combine and Toss

Add the cooked chicken and the drained penne back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic turns bitter if it browns too deeply. If your pan is very hot after searing the chicken, remove it from the heat for a moment before adding the garlic.
  • Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: The starchy water you used to boil the penne helps the sauce emulsify and stick to the noodles rather than sliding off.
  • Freshly Grated Cheese: Use a block of Parmesan rather than the “shaker” can. Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly into the cream.

Variations

  • Spinach and Tomato: Stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach and a handful of halved cherry tomatoes during the last 2 minutes of simmering.
  • Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms in the pan after the chicken is removed for an earthy depth.
  • Alfredo Style: If you want it even richer, add 2 tablespoons of butter when sautéing the garlic, similar to a traditional Homemade Alfredo Sauce.

Serving Suggestions

  • On the Side: Serve with a piece of warm, crusty bread or a side of steamed broccoli.
  • The Finishing Touch: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top can brighten the richness of the cream sauce.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Cream sauces can thicken significantly in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is a reliable, comforting dish that feels like a special occasion meal but is simple enough for any night of the week.

Are you looking to pair this with a specific side dish, or are you planning to meal-prep this for the week?

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