Garlic Chicken Penne

I still remember the first time I tried a dish like this at a little Italian restaurant in my neighborhood. The waiter brought out this beautiful bowl of pasta with chicken, and the aroma of garlic and cream just filled the air. One bite and I was hooked – the sauce was so rich and velvety, the chicken was perfectly seasoned, and everything just worked together in harmony. I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few attempts and tweaks, I landed on this version that I think is even better than the original. The key is getting a good sear on the chicken so it has that golden-brown crust, then building the sauce in the same pan to capture all those delicious browned bits. When you toss the cooked penne into that garlicky cream sauce and add the chicken back in, magic happens. It's the kind of dish that feels special enough for guests but easy enough to make on a random weeknight when you just want something really, really good.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this recipe is how it manages to be both comforting and impressive at the same time. It's comfort food at its finest – creamy, garlicky, and satisfying – but it looks and tastes like something you'd order at a nice restaurant. I love that it comes together so quickly; within 35 minutes, you can have a complete meal on the table that'll make you feel like a culinary genius. The garlic cream sauce is absolutely divine, coating every piece of pasta perfectly, and the chicken adds that protein punch that makes it a complete meal. I also appreciate how forgiving this recipe is – if you like more garlic, add more; if you want it extra creamy, pour in a bit more cream. It's incredibly versatile and always turns out delicious. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about making a restaurant-quality dish at home. Every time I make this, I'm reminded why I fell in love with cooking in the first place.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized chunks and seasoned with salt and pepper
• Penne pasta: Cooked al dente in salted boiling water
• Heavy cream: Forms the base of the rich, velvety sauce
• Garlic: Minced finely and sautéed until fragrant for maximum flavor
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated and melted into the sauce for depth and creaminess
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and used as a bright, fresh garnish

Let's Make These Together

Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente – you want it to have a slight bite to it. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside. This liquid gold will help you adjust your sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and give it a quick toss with a tiny drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, pat your chicken chunks dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In that same skillet with all those beautiful browned bits, reduce the heat to medium and add your minced garlic. Sauté it for just about a minute, stirring constantly – you want it fragrant and golden, not brown and bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. As it warms, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth, luxurious sauce. Let it bubble gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

Bring It All Together

Now for the best part – add your cooked penne to the creamy garlic sauce and toss everything together until each piece of pasta is beautifully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add that reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your perfect consistency. Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pasta, give everything one final gentle toss, and taste for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed, then finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Plate it up in warm bowls and prepare for the compliments!

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Switch Things Up

I first made this dish on a rainy Tuesday when I was craving something warm and comforting but didn't want to spend forever in the kitchen. I had some chicken in the fridge and a box of penne in the pantry, and I thought, why not combine them with my favorite garlic cream sauce? The result was so good that my roommate actually stopped mid-bite and asked if I'd ordered takeout! Now it's become my go-to recipe when I want to impress without the stress. Sometimes I'll add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or throw in some sun-dried tomatoes when I'm feeling fancy. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is – you can make it exactly as written or play around with it based on what you have on hand.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For sides, consider some garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce. If you're serving wine, a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy garlic flavors perfectly. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with a simple Caprese salad and finish with tiramisu for dessert. You could also serve this alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans for added nutrition and color on the plate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because the sauce gets inside the tubes, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, or even fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to your pasta of choice.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The flavor will be different but still delicious!

→ How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?

The key is the reserved pasta water! Add it gradually to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water also helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.

→ Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then refrigerate separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, cook fresh pasta, and combine everything. The texture is best when pasta is freshly cooked.

→ What if I don't have fresh parsley?

You can use dried parsley (use about 1 teaspoon), fresh basil, or even skip the herbs altogether. The dish will still be delicious, though fresh herbs do add a nice brightness and visual appeal.

→ How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic, or stir in a bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who want extra heat.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is everything you want in a weeknight dinner – it's quick, satisfying, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of perfectly seared chicken and silky garlic cream sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that your whole family will love. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe delivers every single time. Serve it up with a side salad and some crusty bread, and you've got yourself a complete meal that'll have everyone asking for the recipe!