Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is a dish that effortlessly combines convenience with incredible flavor. Imagine tender chicken and al dente penne pasta bathed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce – it is pure comfort in a bowl.
Perfect for busy parents and beginners, this satisfying pasta comes together quickly, making it ideal for any evening. Get ready to enjoy this delightful, flavorful penne dish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne
You will quickly discover why this Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne will become a regular in your meal rotation. It simplifies dinner without sacrificing taste.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe moves from pantry to plate in under 30 minutes. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
- Rich, Indulgent Garlic Cream Sauce: A velvety, garlicky sauce coats every piece of pasta and chicken. It creates a truly satisfying and flavorful experience.
- Hearty and Satisfying Meal: Packed with protein and carbohydrates, this dish keeps you full and happy. It is a complete meal on its own.
- Versatile for Customization: Easily add your favorite vegetables or different proteins. This recipe adapts to your preferences, making it endlessly enjoyable.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: The mild, creamy flavors appeal to even picky eaters. Everyone at the table will ask for a second helping of this comforting dish.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. Fresh, quality ingredients make all the difference in this comforting pasta dish.
Pasta:
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water.
- 8 oz. penne pasta: Or your favorite medium-sized pasta shape.
Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Enhances the savory chicken flavor.
- ½ tsp. Italian seasoning: Adds aromatic herbs to the chicken.
- Freshly ground black pepper: For a touch of spice.
- 1 tbsp. olive oil: Or preferred cooking oil, for searing the chicken.
Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter: Forms the base of our rich sauce.
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic: Fresh garlic offers the best aroma and taste.
- 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to a luxuriously creamy sauce.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, umami depth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, adjusting to your preference.
Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or parsley (chopped): For a bright, fresh finish.
- Extra grated Parmesan: For serving, because who can resist more cheese?
Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: Feel free to use other sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, fettuccine, or spaghetti if penne isn’t available.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even cooked shrimp make excellent protein substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Dairy: For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but heavy cream offers the best richness.
- Herbs: Fresh chives or basil are wonderful alternatives to parsley or thyme for garnish.
- Garlic: Adjust the quantity of fresh minced garlic to your liking. Add more for a bolder garlic flavor or a little less if you prefer.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick for your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne.
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta perfectly.
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken and building the creamy sauce.
- Whisk: Helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for preparing ingredients.
- Sharp knife: For dicing the chicken and mincing garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
Instructions For Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. Making this dish is simple, even for beginners, and leads to a fantastic meal.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, and set it aside in the pot.
- Prepare Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Dice Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. Cover the diced chicken loosely to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Start Sauce Base: Carefully wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel if there are any burnt bits, leaving any flavorful drippings. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as this can make the sauce bitter.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter mixture. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon for 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce and remove the raw flour taste.
- Whisk in Cream: Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly as you add it. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and lump-free. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Season Sauce: Season the creamy sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Remember, Parmesan cheese will also add saltiness.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. The sauce should become smooth and even more luxurious.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the diced chicken and the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Toss to Coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together using tongs or a large spoon. Ensure the chicken and every piece of pasta are thoroughly coated in the rich, garlicky cream sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Divide the Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne among serving plates. Top each portion with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne turns out perfectly every time with these helpful tips.
- Pasta Al Dente: Always cook your pasta to al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. It prevents mushy pasta once it is tossed in the sauce and allows it to absorb the flavors better. According to the Michelin Guide, al dente pasta describes a firm yet tender pasta texture.
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Minced garlic can burn quickly. Cook it only until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, to prevent a bitter taste in your creamy sauce.
- Achieve Smooth Sauce: When adding heavy cream, whisk constantly and gradually. This prevents lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth, velvety sauce for your pasta.
- Seasoning: Taste your sauce before adding the chicken and pasta. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the Parmesan cheese contributes saltiness too.
- Leftover Chicken: For an even faster meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred or dice it and add it directly to the sauce at the end.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Round out your meal and manage leftovers with these tips for your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your creamy pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread. It is perfect for soaking up every drop of the delicious sauce.
- Pair this hearty dish with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. It adds a fresh contrast.
- Offer some steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Storage Instructions
- Allow the Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps it fresh.
- Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
- Freezing is not recommended for this dish. The dairy-based sauce tends to separate and become grainy when frozen and thawed.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce with the garlic for a subtle kick.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms with the chicken. This adds extra nutrients and flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomato: Incorporate ¼ cup of chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) into the sauce. They add a sweet and tangy depth.
- Bacon/Pancetta: Cook 4 slices of crispy bacon or pancetta. Crumble it over the finished dish for a smoky, savory crunch.
Nutrition Information
Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. This information helps you understand the components of your meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3009 kcal |
| Fat | 162 g |
| Saturated Fat | 86 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 835 mg |
| Sodium | 2691 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 185 g |
| Fiber | 11 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Protein | 187 g |
Disclaimer: These values are estimates based on the provided ingredients and a serving size of 4. Nutritional information can vary significantly depending on brands, specific ingredient choices, and portion sizes.
The calorie count of 3009 kcal per serving seems unusually high for this dish; please note this value might be an error or based on an unusually large serving. Always consider your personal dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different chicken cuts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe. Just adjust cooking time until they are cooked through.
How do I make the sauce thicker/thinner?
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. To thin it, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas are excellent additions. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce.
Conclusion
You now have a fantastic, easy recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne ready to become a regular in your kitchen. This dish delivers on flavor, comfort, and convenience, making it ideal for any night of the week.
Enjoy the rich, garlicky sauce and tender chicken that makes every bite truly satisfying. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create this comforting creamy garlic chicken penne – you deserve this delicious meal.
To learn more about the base of many creamy sauces, what a roux is in cooking, consider this explanation from the Michelin Guide.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and cook chicken for about 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken, let rest briefly, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Simmer gently to thicken, adding pasta water as needed.
- Season sauce with salt and pepper. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Add diced chicken and cooked penne to the skillet. Toss to fully coat in sauce.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Nutrition values are taken exactly from the recipe text.
- Chicken cooked 5–7 minutes per side was averaged for timing.
- Parmesan adds natural saltiness, so season sauce gently.
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