Introduction

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s rich, cozy, and surprisingly simple to pull together—even on a weeknight. Picture this: tender pieces of chicken coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce, tangled up with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to go back for seconds before you’ve finished your first helping.

This recipe brings restaurant-style comfort straight to your kitchen without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this dish checks every box. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—so you can make it your own with just a few tweaks. Let’s dive into why this creamy pasta is about to become a staple at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Ready in under 30 minutes. Yes, really. This is fast food—but make it homemade and heartwarming.

• One skillet, less mess. Fewer dishes means more time enjoying your meal.

• Creamy, garlicky perfection. The sauce is rich without being heavy, and that garlic? It sings.

• It feels fancy. But it’s easy enough for a Tuesday night. That’s the magic.

Suitable For

• Busy weeknights. When you’re short on time but still want something delicious.

• Beginner cooks. If you’re just learning your way around the kitchen, this recipe won’t let you down.

• Picky eaters. Pasta and chicken are a winning combo almost every time.

• Meal preppers. It stores well, making it a great option for leftovers or lunches.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne

Core Ingredients

• Penne pasta – The ridges are perfect for catching all that creamy sauce.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast – Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

• Garlic (fresh and minced) – Five cloves might sound like a lot, but trust me—it’s just right.

• Heavy cream – This brings the luxurious texture to your sauce.

• Parmesan cheese – For that salty, nutty finish.

• Chicken broth – Adds depth and helps create the sauce base.

• Butter and olive oil – Used together for a balanced richness and perfect sear.

• All-purpose flour – Just a touch, to help thicken the sauce.

• Italian seasoning, salt & pepper – Simple but essential for rounding out the flavor.

Substitutions and Tips

• No heavy cream? Half-and-half works in a pinch, though it won’t be quite as thick.

• Out of penne? Rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti can stand in.

• Dairy-free option? Use canned coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute.

• Low-sodium diet? Choose unsalted broth and adjust the seasoning to taste.

• Want extra veggies? Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a complete one-pot meal.

Best Chicken for Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne

Chicken breast is the go-to here because it cooks quickly and stays juicy when done right. Cut it into uniform bite-sized chunks so everything cooks evenly. Don’t overcrowd your pan—let each piece get that golden sear by giving it a little breathing room.

You can absolutely swap in boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. And if you’re short on time? Pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken is a perfectly fine shortcut. Just add it to the sauce at the end so it warms through without drying out.

Tip: If you have time, season your chicken in advance and let it sit for 15 minutes. A little marination goes a long way in boosting flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan – Everything comes together here, so choose one with high sides.

• Medium pot – For boiling the pasta. Make sure it’s big enough for the penne to move freely.

• Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key, especially for the sauce.

• Whisk – To keep your sauce smooth and lump-free.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Garlic press – For quicker prep (or use a knife and mince).

• Microplane or cheese grater – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes richer.

• Silicone spatula or tongs – For gentle stirring and tossing without breaking the pasta.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne

Making this creamy garlic chicken pasta is easier than you might think—and the reward is a deeply comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Follow these steps and you’ll be twirling forkfuls of rich, garlicky pasta in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt it well—think ocean water level salty—because this is your only chance to season the pasta itself.

Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. That means tender but still with a little bite in the center. Drain the pasta and set it aside. If you’re not assembling everything right away, drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over it and toss—this keeps it from sticking together.

Pro tip: Don’t rinse your pasta. You want that starchy surface—it helps the sauce cling beautifully later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta’s cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot pan in a single layer.

Let it sear without stirring for a few minutes so it develops that golden crust. Flip and continue cooking until the pieces are browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes total depending on size. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Tip: Avoid crowding the pan—if needed, cook the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding causes steaming, and we want a nice sear here.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it—you want those flavorful browned bits), add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t walk away here—garlic burns fast.

Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute to make a quick roux. This will thicken your sauce later.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream and keep whisking until everything is smooth and starting to thicken.

Once it’s gently bubbling, stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep the sauce at a low simmer, stirring often, for another 2–3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible—it melts better and adds a richer flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return your cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated. Let it simmer for a minute or two to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Add your cooked penne and stir gently to combine. You want every piece of pasta to be glossy and coated in sauce. Give it a taste—now’s the time to adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot, and if you like, finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra Parmesan on top.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the chicken. Pull it off the heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside. It’ll finish gently cooking in the sauce.

• Let the sauce thicken slowly. Rushing it on high heat can cause it to break or get grainy. Keep it at a gentle simmer.

• Use quality cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting. A fresh block of Parmesan really makes a difference.

• Toss pasta and sauce together right before serving. This keeps everything from getting too thick or dry while it sits.

How to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne

At Room Temperature

This dish should not be left out for more than 2 hours. If you’re planning on leftovers, get it into the fridge as soon as it cools slightly.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and revive that silky texture.

Freezing Tips

While the cream-based sauce isn’t ideal for freezing (it can separate), it’s doable if you’re okay with a slight change in texture. Freeze in individual portions using airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat slowly, stirring often to bring it back together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne is great, but you can substitute rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just aim for something that holds sauce well.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap heavy cream with canned coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The flavor will change slightly, but the result is still creamy and comforting.

My sauce turned out too thin—what happened?

A few things could be at play: the roux might not have cooked long enough, or too much liquid was added too quickly. To fix it, let it simmer a little longer, or stir in a small slurry of flour and broth to thicken it up.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. This pasta pairs wonderfully with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli. Just cook them separately and add them in when combining everything at the end.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne, you might enjoy these comforting pasta and chicken dishes from RecipeSeasys:

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne: A veggie-packed variation with the same creamy comfort.

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Loaded with flavor and cheesy goodness.

• Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta: Bite-sized chicken in rich garlic sauce.

• Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: Perfect if you’re craving a beefy pasta twist.

• Chicken Mushroom Pasta: Earthy and satisfying with sautéed mushrooms and creamy sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne recipe is proof that simple ingredients can deliver bold, cozy flavors. It’s satisfying without being fussy, and flexible enough to match your mood or pantry. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish brings everyone to the table—and keeps them coming back for more.

So grab your skillet and make a batch tonight. And if you do, be sure to let us know how it turned out. Sharing your version makes the kitchen feel even more connected.

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