Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Rich Comforting Easy Favorite

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta
• Salt, for the pasta water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika, optional

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

Optional Garnishes

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Chopped fresh parsley
• A pinch of red pepper flakes
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Garlic
2. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. The reserved pasta water is useful because its starch can help loosen and smooth the creamy sauce if it becomes too thick.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika if using.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for approximately 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden on the outside and cooked through.
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Chicken

3. Build the Garlic Butter Base

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
2. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Burned garlic can become bitter and overpower the creamy sauce.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

1. Slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet while stirring.
2. Add the black pepper and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.
3. Do not let it boil aggressively. A gentle simmer allows the cream to thicken while keeping the sauce smooth. Grains & Pasta

5. Add the Parmesan

1. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water and stir until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Bring Everything Together

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Add the drained penne and gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
3. Let everything cook together for another 1–2 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce and the flavors can come together. Dairy & Eggs

7. Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
2. Add additional black pepper, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

Cooking Method

1. The secret to this dish is building the flavor in the same skillet.
2. First, the chicken is browned to create a savory base. Then butter and garlic are added to the pan, allowing the garlic to become fragrant while picking up some of the flavorful browned bits left behind by the chicken.
3. Heavy cream creates the rich foundation of the sauce, while Parmesan provides saltiness, nuttiness, and body. A little reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the penne. Cooking & Recipes
4. Finally, everything is tossed together while warm, allowing the pasta, chicken, and sauce to become one delicious dish. Italian Cuisine