Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try my creamy garlic chicken & penne! This dish has saved dinner more times than I can count when I’m scrambling last-minute. It’s that perfect combo of rich, garlicky sauce clinging to al dente pasta with juicy chicken – total comfort food that comes together in about 30 minutes flat.
The secret? Fresh garlic (none of that jarred stuff, trust me) cooked just right so it’s fragrant but never bitter. And that creamy sauce? It’s magic – thick enough to coat every noodle but still silky. My kids go nuts for it, and honestly so do I. Pro tip: always make extra because leftovers taste even better the next day when the flavors really meld!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
You won’t believe how few ingredients you need for this flavor-packed dish! Here’s everything that goes into my go-to creamy garlic chicken & penne:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6 oz each (pound them to even thickness for perfect cooking)
- 8 oz penne pasta – I like the ridges that trap the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is non-negotiable here!
- 1 cup heavy cream – the richer the better
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the real stuff, not the green can
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect golden chicken
- 1 tsp salt – plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’ve got it
- 1/2 tsp dried basil – or fresh if it’s summer
Notes on Key Ingredients
Let me tell you why these particular ingredients make all the difference:
The garlic needs to be fresh – none of that pre-minced jarred stuff. The flavor just isn’t the same, and you’ll miss that amazing aroma filling your kitchen. Trust me, the extra minute of peeling and chopping is worth it!
Heavy cream gives that luxurious texture we all crave, but if you’re watching calories, whole milk works in a pinch (just don’t tell my grandma I said that). The sauce won’t be quite as thick, but it’ll still taste delicious.
And that Parmesan? Spend a few extra bucks on a wedge you grate yourself. The flavor difference between fresh and pre-grated is night and day – plus the fresh stuff melts into the sauce so much smoother.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
Okay, let’s get cooking! This creamy garlic chicken & penne comes together fast, but there are a few tricks to make it perfect. Follow these steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality pasta at home in no time.
Cooking the Pasta
First things first – get that pasta going! Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil (it should taste like the sea). Toss in your penne and set a timer for about 9 minutes – that’s usually the sweet spot for al dente, but check your package instructions.
Here’s my golden rule: always taste a noodle a minute before it’s “done” – you want it to still have a little bite. Drain it, but – and this is important – save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water! We might need it later to loosen up the sauce.
Preparing the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts and cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove them to a plate – don’t clean that pan!
Now the magic happens! In that same pan (with all those delicious chicken bits), toss in your minced garlic. Stir constantly for just 30 seconds – no more! Burnt garlic is bitter and we want sweet, fragrant flavor here.
Pour in your heavy cream and let it bubble gently for a minute before whisking in the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and basil. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely into the most gorgeous, velvety sauce. If it seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s silky enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Slice your chicken into strips and toss everything together – pasta, chicken, and that glorious sauce. Oh wow, just wait until you taste this!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
Honestly, this dish checks ALL the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Let me count the ways you’re going to adore it:
- 30 minutes flat – Faster than waiting for delivery when hunger strikes
- Creamy dreamy sauce – That garlic-Parmesan combo coats every noodle beautifully
- Kid-approved magic – Even picky eaters gobble up every bite
- One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time to relax
- Better leftovers – The flavors deepen overnight (if there’s any left!)
It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds while you secretly pat yourself on the back for how easy it was. Total win!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
After making this creamy garlic chicken & penne more times than I can count, I’ve learned all the tricks to nail it every single time. First up – don’t rush that garlic! Thirty seconds is all it needs to become fragrant without turning bitter. And please, please taste as you go with the salt – Parmesan adds saltiness too, so go easy at first.
The sauce thickness can make or break this dish. Too thick? Splash in some reserved pasta water. Too thin? Let it simmer another minute while stirring. Oh! And don’t skip deglazing the pan after cooking the chicken – those browned bits add SO much flavor to the sauce. Just scrape them up when you add the garlic.
Last pro tip: if your sauce looks separated, take it off heat and whisk vigorously. The emulsion will come right back together. Trust me – I’ve saved many “oops” moments this way!
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! Need some greens? Toss in a couple handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end – it wilts perfectly into that creamy sauce. Mushroom lovers, sauté some sliced creminis with the garlic for an earthy twist.
Not feeling chicken? Shrimp makes an amazing swap – just cook them quickly in the pan before the garlic. And for my vegetarian friends, roasted cauliflower or chickpeas work wonders! The creamy garlic sauce is so versatile, it makes everything taste incredible.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
Oh, let’s talk about how to serve this beauty! I always pile the creamy garlic chicken & penne into big, warm bowls with crusty garlic bread on the side for sauce-sopping. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. For that final touch? A sprinkle of fresh parsley and just a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. So good!
Storing and Reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
Here’s the good news – this creamy garlic chicken & penne tastes even better the next day! Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and they’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3 days. When reheating, I always add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce – microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s piping hot again. Pro tip: don’t freeze it – the cream sauce separates weirdly!
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne FAQs
I get asked about this creamy garlic chicken & penne ALL the time – here are the answers to those burning questions:
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You bet! The sauce won’t be quite as thick and luxurious, but it’ll still taste delicious. My trick? Add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to help thicken it up.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat medium-low when adding the cream, and always grate your own Parmesan – pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy. If it does separate, take it off heat and whisk like crazy!
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The sauce actually tastes better after sitting overnight. Just store pasta and sauce separately, then combine when reheating with a splash of milk to loosen everything up.
What if I don’t have penne?
No sweat! Any short pasta works – rigatoni, fusilli, even farfalle. Just make sure it’s got some texture to hold that creamy sauce!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients, but here’s the general scoop per serving of my creamy garlic chicken & penne:
- 450 calories – Comfort food that’s not too crazy
- 25g fat (12g saturated) – Blame that glorious cream & cheese
- 24g protein – Thanks to that hearty chicken
- 35g carbs – Pasta lovers rejoice!
Remember – homemade always beats takeout when it comes to knowing what’s in your food!
Let Me Know How Your Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Turns Out!
Nothing makes me happier than hearing when someone tries my recipes! Did this creamy garlic chicken & penne become a new weeknight favorite at your house? Did your kids gobble it up like mine always do? I want all the details!
Drop me a comment below to tell me how it went – did you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations? Snap a photo of your beautiful dish and tag me – I live for those saucy pasta action shots! And if you loved it as much as we do, don’t forget to give it a star rating so others know it’s a must-try.
Happy cooking, friends! May your pasta always be al dente and your garlic never burn.
Print
30-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Recipe That’s Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and delicious creamy garlic chicken and penne pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken and slice into strips.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and basil. Stir until smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Toss in cooked penne and mix well.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Substitute milk for cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, penne pasta, easy dinner