Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne 🤤


For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken strips generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  2. Stir in the butter, thyme, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally.
  3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in chicken broth until desired consistency is reached.

Step 3: Combine Everything

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the creamy garlic sauce.
  2. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, folding everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

  1. Divide the creamy garlic chicken and penne among plates.
  2. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcook the Garlic : Burnt garlic can become bitter, so keep an eye on it while sautéing.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente : Undercook the pasta slightly if you plan to finish it in the sauce for optimal texture.
  • Add Veggies : Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrients.
  • Use Fresh Herbs : Swap dried thyme for fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for enhanced flavor.

Variations to Try

  • Spicy Twist : Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.
  • Vegan Option : Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or seitan, and use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
  • Lemon Zest : Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest at the end for a bright, citrusy kick.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne recipe is pure comfort food magic—perfect for those nights when you want something rich, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor every creamy, garlicky bite!

Buon appetito! 🍳🍝