Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is a delicious and comforting weeknight dinner that features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with al dente penne pasta. This flavorful recipe is easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

Chicken and Pasta

8 oz. penne pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp. oil (vegetable or olive oil)

Sauce

2 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Garnish

Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm while preparing the chicken and sauce.
Cook Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from the skillet, dice into bite-sized pieces, and cover to keep warm.
Make Garlic Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet, wipe it clean if necessary. 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 garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream to form a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce has thickened.
Combine: Return the diced chicken and cooked penne to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with freshly ground black pepper, chopped fresh thyme or parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting creamy garlic chicken penne!

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
Chicken can be grilled or baked instead of pan-fried if preferred.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.