Garlic Chicken Penne – sweetydreamz

Garlic Chicken Penne is a comforting pasta dish that combines golden pan-seared chicken with tender penne coated in a silky garlic cream sauce. The technique relies on proper searing, gentle sauce reduction, and pasta water emulsification to create a rich yet balanced result. Finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish delivers classic Italian-American flavor with weeknight ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Without Being Heavy – Proper sauce reduction and pasta water create a smooth, clingy sauce rather than an overly thick one.
Bold Garlic Flavor – Freshly minced garlic is gently sautéed to release aroma without bitterness.
Quick & Efficient – From prep to plate in about 35 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
Restaurant-Style Texture – Pan-seared chicken adds caramelization that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic – Familiar flavors make this dish universally appealing.
Easy to Customize – Adaptable with herbs, vegetables, or alternative proteins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta & Protein

12 oz penne pasta – Tubular shape holds the creamy sauce and chicken pieces effectively.
1 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks – Lean protein that sears quickly and evenly.

Garlic Cream Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for searing chicken and building flavor in the pan.
6 cloves garlic, minced – Primary flavor driver, providing depth and aroma.
1 cup heavy cream – Forms the base of the sauce, delivering richness and body.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds umami, saltiness, and thickening power.

Finishing & Seasoning

Salt, to taste – Enhances all components.
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste – Adds mild heat and complexity.
Fresh parsley, chopped – Brightens and balances the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook penne until al dente, about 10–12 minutes; reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Season and Sear the Chicken – Season chicken generously with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic – Lower heat to medium and add garlic to the same skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Build the Cream Sauce – Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan and cook for 3–4 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
Combine Pasta and Sauce – Add cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly and loosening with reserved pasta water as needed.
Finish with Chicken – Return chicken to the pan, gently tossing to combine and reheat evenly.
Garnish and Serve – Adjust seasoning, then serve hot with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Pasta Water Emulsification – The starch helps bind fat and liquid for a cohesive sauce.
Garlic Control – Keep garlic moving and avoid high heat to prevent bitterness.
Chicken Browning – Proper searing adds depth and prevents blandness.
Cheese Choice – Finely grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than coarse shreds.
Heat Management – Avoid boiling the cream to prevent separation.
Protein Swap – Chicken thighs offer a juicier alternative with deeper flavor.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: ~640 calories per serving (estimated; varies by portion and cheese quantity)

Perfect Pairings

Garlic Bread or Focaccia – Ideal for soaking up extra sauce.
Simple Arugula Salad – Peppery greens balance the richness.
Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus – Adds texture and freshness.
Sparkling Water with Lemon – Cleanses the palate between bites.

Ideal Occasions

Weeknight Comfort Meals – Quick, filling, and familiar.
Casual Dinner Guests – Elegant without being fussy.
Cold-Weather Dinners – Warm and satisfying.
Family-Friendly Meals – Mild flavors appeal to all ages.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Warm gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore texture.
Avoid High Heat – Prevents sauce separation when reheating.
Best Served Fresh – Sauce is smoothest right after cooking.

Creative Variations to Try

Spinach Garlic Chicken Penne – Add fresh spinach at the end for color and nutrients.
Mushroom Cream Penne – Sauté mushrooms after the chicken for earthy depth.
Spicy Garlic Penne – Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for heat.
Lighter Version – Use half-and-half and reduce cheese slightly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sauce Too Thick – Thin gradually with reserved pasta water.
Sauce Too Thin – Simmer gently a few minutes longer with cheese.
Bitter Garlic Flavor – Caused by over-browning; keep heat moderate.
Dry Chicken – Avoid overcooking during searing.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works by layering flavor efficiently: searing the chicken develops Maillard browning, while the garlic blooms in residual fat without burning. The cream and Parmesan form a stable emulsion, and pasta water fine-tunes consistency while improving sauce adhesion. The result is a cohesive, restaurant-quality pasta dish that feels indulgent yet controlled, at approximately 640 calories per serving.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Chicken Penne is a dependable, satisfying pasta that delivers rich flavor with straightforward technique. Its balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats makes it both filling and comforting, while simple adjustments allow for lighter or more indulgent versions. Whether for a busy weeknight or a relaxed dinner gathering, this dish earns a permanent place in any home cook’s rotation.