If you’re craving something both comforting and bursting with flavor, look no further than Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite Recipe. This dish is the perfect blend of tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce that comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself after a busy day, the rich Parmesan and fragrant herbs make every bite feel like a celebration. It’s simple enough for a quick dinner but fancy enough to impress anyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward this delicious dish. Each element is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, ensuring a satisfying meal that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and balancing flavors in the sauce.
- 8 oz. penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein, seasoned to perfection.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth throughout the dish.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Enhances the chicken’s seasoning with an extra garlicky layer.
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning: Infuses the chicken with fragrant herbs, adding complexity.
- 1 Tbsp. oil: For searing the chicken to a golden brown crust.
- 2 Tbsp. butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps mellow the garlic.
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic: The star of the sauce, providing that unmistakable garlic aroma.
- 1 Tbsp. flour: Thickens the sauce to a silky, luscious consistency.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings creaminess and indulgence to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for serving): Gives a nutty, salty finish that ties the dish together perfectly.
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal touch and brightens the presentation.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente—a little firmness to the bite. Once drained, return the pasta to the pot to keep warm and prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden crust and ensuring it’s cooked through. Remove the chicken, dice it into bite-sized pieces, and cover to retain warmth.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, wipe out any burnt bits if necessary to keep the sauce smooth. Melt butter over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute; this cooks out the raw flour taste and starts thickening your sauce. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form while the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until melted and velvety.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the diced chicken and cooked penne pasta to your skillet. Toss everything in the creamy garlic sauce until every bite is evenly coated with that luscious mixture. To finish, garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, fresh thyme or parsley, and more Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy recipe!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
The final garnishes truly elevate this dish. Fresh thyme or parsley not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese gives a salty contrast and encourages you to dive right in.
Side Dishes
Completing your meal with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies balances the creamy, cheesy richness perfectly. Think a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted broccoli. These sides add texture and freshness, making your dinner well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of flair, serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite Recipe in shallow bowls to show off the sauce pooling around the noodles. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top at the table to provide color and aroma. You can even add toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid excess moisture, which can affect texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge first to keep the sauce from separating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the leftover dish in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems too thick or dry. This restores the sauce’s creamy texture and ensures the chicken and pasta stay tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully for holding the creamy sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle would be excellent substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy. Using less butter and Parmesan can also lighten it up but will reduce richness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and often come out even juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are properly cooked through.
What if I don’t have freshly grated Parmesan?
Pre-grated Parmesan can work in a pinch, but fresh is best because it melts more smoothly and has a richer flavor. If using pre-grated, add it off the heat to avoid clumping.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free penne and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just be sure to check your seasonings to ensure they’re gluten-free too.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about the Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite Recipe—it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly, making weeknights a little easier and a lot more delicious. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection, tossed with al dente penne pasta, and enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Garnished with fresh herbs, it’s a perfect blend of creamy and savory that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- Kosher salt (for boiling pasta)
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. oil
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp. flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through with no pink inside. Remove from the skillet, dice into bite-sized pieces, and cover to keep warm.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, wipe clean if needed. Melt butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and thicken the base. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add the diced chicken and cooked penne pasta into the creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything gently to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper, chopped fresh thyme or parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic chicken penne!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic powder and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may result in a grainy sauce.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up better in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
