Craving a rich, restaurant-quality pasta dish that you can whip up on a busy weeknight? This creamy garlic chicken penne pasta is your answer. It’s a guaranteed family-pleaser, delivering a velvety smooth garlic parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked penne in just about 30 minutes. Forget complicated steps and a sink full of dishes; this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
We’re focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients to create a dish that feels both comforting and incredibly indulgent. The magic is in the sauce—a luscious combination of garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta is a Weeknight Winner
When it comes to weeknight dinners, you need recipes that are fast, easy, and satisfying. This dish checks every box and then some.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: From prep to plate, this entire meal comes together in about half an hour, making it perfect for even the busiest evenings.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry and fridge staples to create this impressive meal. No hard-to-find items required.
- One-Pan Potential: While you’ll need a separate pot for the pasta, the sauce and chicken come together in a single skillet, which means cleanup is a breeze.
- Pure Comfort Food: The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and satisfying carbs is the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s a dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Creamy Pasta
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use a short list of powerhouse ingredients to build incredible depth of flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the final, delicious dish.
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- Penne Pasta: The ridges on penne are perfect for catching every last drop of the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, keeps the dish lean but protein-packed.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of these two fats provides the best flavor for searing the chicken and sautéeing the garlic.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Garlic: The star of the show. Freshly minced garlic provides the aromatic, savory backbone of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This is the key to a truly rich and velvety sauce that won’t break or curdle.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a layer of savory depth and helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, thickening the sauce and adding a nutty, salty flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds complexity and a classic Italian flavor profile.
- Fresh Parsley: Provides a pop of fresh, green flavor and color that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is straightforward and perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result every time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This is a secret weapon for a perfect sauce later! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and let it thicken for 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Creamiest Garlic Sauce
A perfect cream sauce is silky, rich, and never grainy. Follow these tips to ensure your sauce is flawless.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce. Grating your own from a block is a non-negotiable for the best texture.
- Don’t Boil the Cream: When you add the heavy cream, keep the heat on a low simmer. Boiling can cause the cream to separate or curdle.
- Temper the Cream: For an extra layer of protection against curdling, you can slowly whisk a small amount of the hot chicken broth into the cream in a separate bowl before adding the mixture back into the skillet.
- Use Room Temperature Cream: Allowing your heavy cream to sit out for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the pan can also help prevent it from curdling when it hits the hot liquid.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these delicious additions and swaps.
- Add Veggies: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end until wilted, or add sautéed mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for a nutrient boost.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- Swap the Protein: This sauce is also incredible with shrimp or sliced Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat entirely or substitute it with roasted vegetables.
What to Serve With Your Chicken Penne
This creamy garlic chicken penne pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread for dipping. For more ideas, check out our favorite easy side dish recipes (coming soon).
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cream-based sauces can be tricky to reheat, as they can separate or become oily if heated too quickly.
The best way to reheat this dish is on the stovetop over low heat. Add the pasta to a small saucepan with a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently and frequently until warmed through. We do not recommend reheating in the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery and the sauce greasy.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Large Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Main Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
- Lower the heat, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency. Season to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Don't Boil the Sauce: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding the cream to prevent it from curdling.
Pasta Water is Key: The starchy pasta water is perfect for thinning the sauce to the ideal consistency without making it watery.
Frequently Asked Questions
While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
To prevent curdling, use heavy cream (not milk or half-and-half) as its higher fat content makes it more stable. Also, keep the heat on a low simmer and avoid boiling the sauce after you’ve added the cream. Adding the cheese off the heat also helps ensure a smooth texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth and stir gently until the sauce is creamy and the pasta is warmed through.
This recipe is very versatile! You can add vegetables like fresh spinach, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they are lean and cook quickly when cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful option.
More Pasta Recipes to Try
If you loved this dish, you’ll want to explore more of our pasta creations. Try our Classic Beef Lasagna (coming soon) for your next family gathering or our One-Pan Lemon Orzo (coming soon) for another quick weeknight option. They are sure to become new favorites!
Join The Culinary Conversation!
We hope you love this creamy garlic chicken penne pasta as much as we do! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating below—we love hearing from you. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
