Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Parmesan Cheese
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Parmesan Cheese is a comforting dish that has become a staple in my home on busy weeknights. This creamy pasta is packed with flavor and comes together in just about 30 minutes! The tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and rich garlic sauce envelop each bite, making it an instant family favorite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a satisfying meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
When it comes to weeknight dinners, quick and delicious are the names of the game. Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Parmesan Cheese is not only budget-friendly, but it also caters to picky eaters, making it the ideal choice for family meals. The creamy texture and garlic-infused sauce promise to delight taste buds of all ages. Plus, you’ll likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making this dish a stress-free option when you want something hearty yet easy.
"This recipe has become a regular in our rotation! The sauce is so creamy and flavorful, and the kids can’t get enough of it!" — Happy Home Cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is straightforward and rewarding, with each step designed to maximize flavor while keeping the process simple. From boiling the pasta to preparing the rich garlic sauce, each part lends a hand in crafting a sublime meal.
Gather These Items
- 1 1⁄4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts — sliced into thin strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 3⁄4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (extra for finishing)
- Salt & cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Feel free to tweak the ingredients! For instance, you can use skinless thighs if you prefer dark meat or swap the heavy cream for a lighter version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet, and season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt an additional tablespoon of butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. If you opted for cream cheese, whisk it in now until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (and mozzarella if you are using it) until the sauce thickens.
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Combine Everything: Toss the cooked penne into the skillet and mix until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, stirring to distribute evenly. If your sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
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Finish and Serve: To give it a final flourish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne can be as casual or as elegant as you desire. For a simple weeknight meal, serve it straight from the skillet with crispy garlic bread. If you’re hosting, plate it beautifully with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan on top. Pair it with a light side salad tossed in a vinaigrette to complement the richness of the dish.
How to Store & Reheat
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to help revitalize the creamy sauce. Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Pro Chef Tips
- Chicken Searing: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken for that perfect sear.
- Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon; it helps thicken and enrich the sauce without sacrificing flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to combine with the chicken and pasta.
Recipe Variations
Want to shake things up? Here are a few creative twists to try:
- Add Veggies: Throw in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Heat Things Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like feta or goat cheese to introduce unique flavors.
Your Questions Answered
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How long does this meal take to prepare?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. -
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter version, leave it out or try Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. -
Is it safe to freeze?
This dish can be frozen, but the texture may change upon thawing. To freeze, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Parmesan Cheese is a universal crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering or cozy dinner at home. The combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy all in one dish guarantees that you’ll be reaching for seconds! Enjoy the comforting flavors and delightful textures that this recipe brings to your table.
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Parmesan Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil.
- Add the sliced chicken to the skillet, and season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt an additional tablespoon of butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- If you opted for cream cheese, whisk it in now until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (and mozzarella if using) until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked penne into the skillet and mix until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, stirring to distribute evenly.
- If your sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- To give it a final flourish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
