Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite Recipe

It’s no secret that pasta nights are sacred in our household, and there’s one recipe that manages to win everyone over, every single time: Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite. Imagine twirled penne smothered in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce, tossed with juicy golden chicken and finished with a generous sprinkle of parsley—that’s the kind of meal that transforms even the busiest Tuesday into something worth celebrating. Whether it’s a dinner for two or a full family affair, this crowd-pleaser brings together the comfort of classic Italian-American flavors and the speed every home cook craves.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite is how such simple pantry and fridge staples combine to create a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy. Every ingredient pulls its weight—offering depth, creaminess, or brightness—so don’t skip a thing!

• Penne pasta (12 ounces): Tubular penne captures all the creamy sauce in its ridges, making each bite luscious.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for giving the chicken a beautiful sear and a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces): Juicy morsels of lean protein that cook quickly and soak up all that saucy goodness.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The heart of the dish, garlic brings a robust, fragrant punch that makes this pasta extra flavorful.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauce and helps bloom the garlic to irresistible perfection.
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Whisked in to thicken the creamy sauce so it clings to every piece of pasta.
• Chicken broth (2 cups): Deepens the flavor and prevents the sauce from feeling too heavy.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers that luxurious, silky texture you expect from a true comfort pasta.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Provides salty, savory notes and helps make the sauce extra gooey.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for classic Italian flavor.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for brightening all the other flavors—don’t be shy!
• Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A little kick to balance the creaminess of the sauce.
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbal finish to each plate.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne according to package directions until perfectly al dente. This is your foundation, so make sure not to overcook—you want the pasta to hold its shape and stand up to that creamy sauce. Once done, drain and set aside. Pro tip: Reserve a splash of pasta water; it can smooth out your sauce if needed later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside for now—they’ll make their comeback soon!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Roux

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant—not brown. Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for another minute. This step not only brings out the aroma of the garlic but also sets up your sauce for ultimate creaminess.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking gently to prevent any lumps. Once incorporated, stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. The sauce will start to thicken and turn a gorgeous pale gold. Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and irresistible.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, and toss everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh, vibrant parsley just before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite with a shower of freshly chopped parsley and a final dusting of Parmesan cheese. For extra flair, add a crack of black pepper or a touch of red pepper flakes—it’s your table, so make it special!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad (think arugula or mixed spring greens) and a warm, crusty baguette to mop up any leftover sauce. If you want to go all in, roasted asparagus or simple steamed broccoli add a hearty, healthy touch to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite in wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant feel, or serve family-style on a big platter sprinkled with extra herbs. For a romantic dinner, add a glass of chilled white wine and a candle. And if you’re feeding kids, let them help sprinkle on the cheese at the table for a little interactive fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a rest, but the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce—so if you like things extra saucy, save a bit of heavy cream or broth to loosen it up when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze a batch for future cravings, let the pasta cool completely first. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note that while the flavor stays rich, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a week or two of freezing.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, splashing in extra broth, cream, or even a little milk to revive the creamy texture. Stir well and heat until just hot—avoid boiling the sauce to keep it silky and prevent the cheese from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is my favorite for this Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite, you can use rigatoni, ziti, or even fettuccine—just aim for a pasta shape that will hold onto the sauce well.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Yes, swap in half-and-half for the heavy cream or use a light cream for a lower-fat version. The result will still be creamy, though slightly less rich—and you can always add extra veggies to up the nutrition!

What can I add for more vegetables?

Feel free to toss in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce as it simmers. They’ll add color and a nice complementary flavor to the Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free, too.

Is rotisserie chicken a good shortcut?

Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver on busy nights. Just shred or chop it and stir it into the sauce in place of sautéed chicken—your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite will still taste delicious, and you’ll save even more time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as comforting as it is easy, Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne: A Weeknight Favorite truly delivers. There’s just something magical about a big bowl of creamy pasta after a long day—give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your household’s new weeknight hero!

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