Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. This recipe always brings back cozy memories of family dinners and gatherings. Nothing compares to the comfort of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones. The rich flavors of garlic and creamy sauce make this dish a favorite in many homes. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a busy weeknight, or company, this recipe is worth trying.
Why Make This Recipe
One of the best things about Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is how straightforward it is to make. If you’re new to cooking, this dish will boost your confidence. It uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have at home. In just a single skillet, you can create a meal that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
The flavors are delightful! The creaminess of the sauce pairs perfectly with the savory garlic and chicken. Meanwhile, the broccoli adds a nice crunch and a healthy touch. And let’s not forget the penne pasta that soaks up all that tasty sauce. It’s comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition.
For many families, meals like this become traditions. Maybe it’s the gathering around the table or the laughter shared over plates piled high with creamy goodness. This recipe creates lasting memories, making it special and worth passing down through generations.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
Making Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is as simple as it is satisfying. You start by cooking the pasta, which will give your kitchen a delightful pasta aroma. While the pasta is cooking, you can focus on the chicken. As the chicken cooks in the skillet, you’ll notice how it turns golden brown and smells delicious. The sound of sizzling chicken is one of those delightful kitchen noises that make cooking feel rewarding.
Once the chicken is cooked, adding the minced garlic raises the aroma to another level—it’s a warm, inviting smell that will surely make everyone curious about dinner time! As you stir in the broccoli and allow it to steam, you can take a moment to appreciate how vibrant the colors are. It’s not just food; it’s a feast for the eyes.
When you pour in the heavy cream, you’ll see the mix of colors turn creamy and luscious. Stirring the Parmesan cheese into the sauce feels as satisfying as a warm hug. Each step is simple but brings you closer to a delicious meal. Finally, when you toss the penne into the sauce, the dish comes together beautifully. You’ll want to serve it warm, letting everyone enjoy the delightful flavors that dance on their tongues.
Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Chicken breast provides protein and is leaner than dark meat, making it a healthy choice in this dish. -
2 cups penne pasta
Penne is great for holding onto the creamy sauce, making every bite rich and flavorful. -
1.5 cups broccoli florets
Broccoli adds not only color but also a crunch that balances the creaminess of the dish. -
2 tablespoons olive oil
Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that enhances the taste and helps cook the chicken evenly. -
1 teaspoon salt
Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the chicken and other ingredients. -
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds a little kick without overwhelming the dish. -
0.5 teaspoon paprika
Paprika adds a hint of smokiness, which pairs well with the garlic and cream. -
1 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream is what makes the dish rich and creamy. It gives the sauce its beautiful texture. -
4 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic is the star of this dish, providing robust flavor and aroma. -
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a nutty flavor that makes every bite delicious.
Ingredient Notes
- If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even shrimp.
- For a vegetarian option, you could skip the meat entirely and add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- Gluten-free pasta can replace traditional penne if needed.
- If you want a lighter dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Directions
Now, let’s break down the steps to make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne. Ready to get cooking? Here we go!
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Cook the pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt for flavor, then toss in 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
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Prepare the chicken: In a big skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken strips. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of paprika over the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and no longer pink inside. To check if the chicken is done, you can slice it open to ensure it’s fully cooked.
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Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to sauté for about 1 minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells amazing!
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Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in a splash of water to create steam, then cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
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Make the sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer over low heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until it begins to bubble softly. Next, add the 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce and becomes creamy.
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Combine everything: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, coating it well with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; just enough to let the pasta soak up the sauce.
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Serve and enjoy: Once everything is well-combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and the lovely, comforting feel of this dish!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is perfect for many occasions. You can serve it for a busy weeknight dinner when everyone is tired but hungry. It also works well for special occasions, such as birthday dinners or holiday meals, when you want to impress friends and family.
For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the creaminess of the chicken and pasta. A glass of chilled lemonade or sparkling water can also be refreshing alongside this rich dish.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, a simple garlic bread on the side can be a nice touch. The garlic flavors will tie everything together, and everyone loves dipping bread into that creamy sauce!
How to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
After a lovely dinner, you may find you have some Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne left over. Storing leftovers is easy! Place any remaining pasta and chicken in an airtight container.
In the fridge, it will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! To freeze, make sure to let it cool completely first. Store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
To reheat, you can warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Note on freezing:
If you’re worried about the texture of the pasta changing after freezing, you can slice the chicken and mix it with the pasta, then freeze. Just make sure to keep everything wrapped well for freshness!
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
Here are some beginner-friendly tips to help you get the best results with this recipe:
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Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic can work, but the taste isn’t the same.
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Don’t overcook the broccoli: You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. Overcooking can make it mushy and dull.
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Pasta texture: Cook the penne until it’s al dente, so it holds up in the creamy sauce without getting too soft.
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Add herbs: For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving.
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Taste as you go: It’s always a good idea to taste the sauce as it cooks. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
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Don’t overmix: When adding the penne to the sauce, gently fold it in. This avoids breaking the pasta.
Variation
Feel free to make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne your own with these variations:
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to bring heat to your dish. This will elevate the flavor if you enjoy a little kick.
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Swap the veggies: Instead of broccoli, you can use spinach, peas, or even bell peppers. Greens like spinach add great color and nutrition.
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Make it dairy-free: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help loosen the sauce. Stir often to heat evenly.
Q: Can I use a different cheese or flour?
Certainly! You can use any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or cheddar. If you prefer a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free penne pasta.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is not only delicious but also easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish brings comfort to your table. Whether shared with family or enjoyed alone, each bite is filled with flavor and warmth. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and whip up this delightful meal today! Enjoy the smiles and satisfaction that come from sharing a homemade dish with those you love.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and penne pasta, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika until browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add broccoli and a splash of water, cover, and cook until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Toss cooked penne in the sauce and heat gently.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Chicken, Penne Pasta, Comfort Food