Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cream Sauce
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cream Sauce embodies comfort food at its finest. This rich, creamy pasta dish is not just a treat for the taste buds—it’s also a breeze to whip up, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering. What draws me to this recipe is how effortlessly it combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and silky cream, leaving you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are so many reasons to try this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne! First off, it’s a dish that appeals to the whole family—kids love the creamy sauce, while adults appreciate the flavor depth brought by garlic and Parmesan. It comes together in about 30 minutes, so it’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
"This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is my go-to dinner when I need comfort food! Quick to make and absolutely delicious—everyone in my family devours it!" — Happy Home Cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Now, let’s dive into how this scrumptious dish comes together. Cooking the penne and chicken are the first steps, which creates a flavorful base for the creamy Parmesan sauce. Then, you’ll combine everything in one skillet for a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The result? An impressive meal that looks like you spent hours slaving in the kitchen!
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for this incredible dish:
- Chicken & Pasta:
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips
- 12 oz penne pasta
- For Sautéing:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed for consistency)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or use gluten-free pasta if that suits your dietary needs!
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Cook the Penne: Start by boiling the penne in salted water until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the penne aside.
-
Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken strips for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
-
Combine Pasta & Chicken: Toss the cooked penne in the creamy sauce until thoroughly coated. Gently mix in the cooked chicken strips.
-
Serve & Garnish: Plate the pasta with chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle fresh parsley along with extra Parmesan for a beautiful finish.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables complement the meal beautifully, too. Don’t forget to offer extra grated Parmesan at the table for those who want even more cheesy goodness!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
For any leftovers, let the pasta cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, consider freezing. Divide it into individual portions, ensuring you create a barrier and prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months frozen.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Always pan-sear your chicken until it’s golden brown; this adds great flavor.
- If you want extra flavor in your sauce, feel free to sauté diced onions along with the garlic.
- Swapping the heavy cream with half-and-half works if you’re looking for a lighter version, although it may alter the creaminess slightly.
Creative Twists
There are many ways to customize this dish! Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick or spinach for added greens. For a spicy version, toss in some diced jalapeños or increase the crushed red pepper flakes. You could even create a one-pot version by cooking everything in the same pot to save on cleaning time!
Your Questions Answered
1. How long does it take to prepare?
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! If you’d like a lighter dish, half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative would work, although the texture may differ slightly.
3. Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
4. What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, gradually add in some of the reserved pasta water while stirring until it reaches your preferred consistency.
With its velvety sauce and tender chicken, Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Cream Sauce is a dish you’ll crave over and over again. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the penne aside.
- Pat the chicken dry and season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken strips for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently.
- Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Toss the cooked penne in the creamy sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Gently mix in the cooked chicken strips.
- Plate the pasta with chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle fresh parsley along with extra Parmesan for garnish.
