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Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

A rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and silky cream, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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) Add for heat if desired
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)

Method
 

Cook the Penne
  1. Boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the penne aside.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken dry and season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the chicken strips for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently.
  3. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Combine Pasta & Chicken
  1. Toss the cooked penne in the creamy sauce until thoroughly coated.
  2. Gently mix in the cooked chicken strips.
Serve & Garnish
  1. Plate the pasta with chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle fresh parsley along with extra Parmesan for garnish.

Notes

For leftovers, let the pasta cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream.