Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne recipe featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a savory garlic cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish is flavored with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it does not burn.
- Make the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and mix well to coat them thoroughly in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat; adjust quantity to taste or omit for no spice.
- For a gluten-free meal, replace penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Fresh garlic can be substituted with garlic powder if necessary, but fresh provides the best flavor.
