Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is the kind of meal that speaks straight to the heart—and the stomach. It’s a warm, rich, and incredibly satisfying dish, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just because you deserve something delicious. Tender chunks of seasoned chicken breast are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luxurious garlic-infused cream sauce, all tossed together with al dente penne pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make right at home.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes this dish so irresistible, how to perfect it, and offer some mouthwatering variations you can try.
Why Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Works
The success of this dish lies in its balance of textures and flavors:
Juicy chicken brings savory depth and protein-rich heartiness.
Penne pasta holds the sauce in its ridges and tubes, delivering maximum creaminess with every bite.
Garlic adds a bold, aromatic base that enhances the flavor without overpowering.
Cream sauce provides richness and body, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
It’s a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare—but really comes together in about 30–40 minutes.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need for the base recipe:
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
Salted water, for boiling
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
4–6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust based on your love for garlic)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)
¼ cup chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and let it sear without moving it for about 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the butter and a splash of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir to coat it with the sauce, letting it simmer for a minute so the flavors meld.
Add the cooked penne pasta, stirring well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finishing Touches
Top the dish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a touch of color and brightness. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of Parmesan or even a few garlic breadcrumbs on top.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is quite filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
Garlic bread or focaccia to mop up the sauce
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance
Roasted vegetables, like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
Tips for the Best Results
Use fresh garlic.
Pre-minced garlic just doesn’t deliver the same flavor punch. Take the time to peel and mince fresh cloves—it’s worth it.
Don’t overcook the pasta.
Al dente penne holds up better when tossed in sauce and helps prevent a mushy texture.
Reserve pasta water.
The starchy pasta water is like liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s thickness and helping it cling better to the noodles.
Cook in stages.
Cooking the chicken first and removing it ensures it doesn’t dry out or become rubbery.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Penne
Add 1–2 cups of sliced mushrooms (like cremini or baby bella) to the skillet after removing the chicken. Sauté until golden, then continue with the sauce. The mushrooms add an earthy umami richness.
- Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Twist
Stir in a handful of baby spinach and ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes right before combining the chicken and pasta. This adds brightness and a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne
Season the chicken with Cajun spice instead of Italian seasoning and add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce. A spicy kick turns this comfort food into a bold, zesty favorite.
- Lighter Version
Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream, and use grilled or poached chicken breast to cut down on fat and calories. Add veggies like steamed broccoli or zucchini for volume.
Meal Prep & Leftovers
This dish reheats surprisingly well and makes a great lunch for the next day.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating in the microwave or on the stove to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Freezing: You can freeze it, but the cream sauce may separate slightly. Stir well after thawing and reheating.
Why Everyone Loves It
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne ticks all the boxes:
Comforting and familiar, yet elegant enough for entertaining
Packed with protein, flavor, and creamy satisfaction
Easy to customize to suit your tastes or dietary needs
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, garlic lovers, or just craving something cozy, this dish hits the spot every single time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something universally comforting about pasta in a creamy sauce—especially when garlic and tender chicken are involved. Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and seconds. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for a Sunday dinner, and flexible enough to dress up or down.