Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta is a rich, comforting, and restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender, juicy chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, then paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a silky Parmesan cream sauce that’s packed with savory flavor. Fresh garlic, butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese come together to create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta. The seasoned chicken adds plenty of protein, making this dish both hearty and satisfying. A touch of Italian seasoning and fresh parsley brightens the creamy sauce, creating the perfect balance of richness and freshness. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, a special date-night meal, or an easy weeknight recipe, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal everyone will love.
Ingredients For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces (340g) penne pasta
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss well until evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking, then gradually add the heavy cream until the mixture becomes smooth.
Step 6: Add the Seasonings
Stir in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until coated in the sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and gently toss until every piece is evenly covered. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Caesar salad.
Tips & Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Do not boil the sauce after adding the cheese to keep it silky and creamy.
- Chicken thighs may be substituted for extra juicy meat.
- Add baby spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.
- Reserve pasta water before draining—it helps loosen and emulsify the sauce if needed.
Q&A
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, rigatoni, rotini, bow ties, or spaghetti all work well with this creamy garlic sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peas, asparagus, or roasted bell peppers pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese for a lighter version.
What should I serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts make excellent side dishes.
Servings
Serves: 6 people
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food dinner, featuring tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich Parmesan garlic cream sauce. This easy one-pan recipe is packed with bold garlic flavor, creamy goodness, and satisfying protein, making it perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or an indulgent weeknight meal. Every bite is smooth, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. 🍝🧄🍗