Easy Penne Pasta with Creamy Garlic Chicken

Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Welcome to the ultimate guide for Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible, comforting meal. Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a creamy, flavorful pasta that’s ready in under 30 minutes—this recipe solves that dinner dilemma with its extra creamy sauce that coats every bite of penne in a luxurious blend of garlic, parmesan, and tender chicken. As a staple on cookinwithlalyta.com, this version stands out for its foolproof steps and rich, velvety texture that elevates weeknight dinners to gourmet status. Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice cook, this Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken recipe is your go-to for satisfying cravings without the fuss.

The aroma of sizzling garlic fills your kitchen as the creamy chicken sauce simmers to perfection, creating a mouthwatering scent that draws everyone to the table. Each forkful of Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken delivers a harmonious mix of textures: the al dente penne provides a satisfying chew, while the tender chicken pieces offer a juicy contrast. The sauce, with its extra creamy consistency from the heavy cream and parmesan, clings beautifully to the pasta, bursting with savory, cheesy flavors that make every bite feel indulgent and comforting.

What sets this Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken recipe apart, straight from cookinwithlalyta.com and crafted by Chef Lalybeth, is its reliability and innovative twist that makes it the single best resource online. We’ve tested this recipe multiple times to ensure it’s not only delicious but also adaptable for various skill levels. You’ll learn the Chef’s Secret for achieving that extra creamy sauce, along with pro tips to avoid common pitfalls, making you feel confident and excited to cook. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why This Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: What makes this Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken truly exceptional is the extra creamy sauce technique, where slowly incorporating the heavy cream and parmesan creates an ultra-smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta flawlessly. By sautéing the garlic just until fragrant without browning it, you preserve its subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall creaminess and preventing any bitterness. This method, refined through countless tests, ensures a restaurant-quality finish that sets this recipe apart from standard Italian pasta dishes.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the extra creamy sauce lies in the emulsification process—when the fats from the heavy cream and parmesan cheese blend seamlessly with the olive oil and chicken juices, it results in a silky consistency that clings to the penne without becoming greasy. This high-fat combination locks in moisture, providing a luxurious mouthfeel that elevates the dish’s appeal and makes every bite satisfyingly rich.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been perfected through multiple kitchen trials to guarantee success, even for beginners. With clear, step-by-step guidance, you’ll avoid common errors like overcooking the chicken, ensuring it’s tender and juicy every time. Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken is designed for reliability, making it a trustworthy go-to for quick, delicious meals that impress family and friends.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Penne pasta serves as the hearty base for this Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken recipe, providing the perfect shape to hold the extra creamy sauce. Its ridged surface absorbs flavors beautifully, making each bite flavorful. Opt for high-quality, durum wheat penne for better al dente texture—avoid generic brands that turn mushy. If you’re gluten-sensitive, substitute with gluten-free penne, but cook it slightly less time to maintain that ideal chew.

Boneless chicken breasts are the protein star, offering tender, lean bites in this Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken. They absorb the garlic and creamy flavors while cooking, adding a satisfying meatiness. Choose organic or free-range chicken for superior taste and texture; thinly slice them evenly for quick cooking. For a lower-fat option, swap with turkey breast, but ensure it’s not overcooked to keep it juicy.

Garlic brings a pungent, aromatic punch to Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken, infusing the extra creamy sauce with depth and warmth. Freshly minced cloves are key for the best flavor—pre-minced garlic can be bitter. Use it to build layers in the sauce, and for a milder taste, roast it first. There’s no great substitute, but if allergic, try garlic-infused oil sparingly to maintain the dish’s essence.

Heavy cream is the magic behind the extra creamy aspect of Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken, creating a rich, luscious sauce that ties everything together. It adds body and a silky finish, so choose full-fat for the best results—lower-fat versions can make the sauce watery. For a healthier twist, substitute with half-and-half, but add a tablespoon of flour to thicken and preserve that creamy consistency.

Grated parmesan cheese enhances the extra creamy sauce in Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken, providing a nutty, salty depth that melts smoothly. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded, avoiding additives that hinder creaminess. If dairy-free, use nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor, but adjust quantities to match the cheesiness without overwhelming the dish.

Olive oil acts as the flavorful foundation for searing the chicken in Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken, adding a subtle earthiness to the extra creamy sauce. Extra-virgin olive oil is ideal for its purity and taste—don’t use regular cooking oil, as it lacks the same depth. For a neutral alternative, try avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and complements the garlic without altering the profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Penne Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil, then add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside. This step ensures the pasta has the perfect texture to absorb the extra creamy sauce without becoming soggy.

Pro Tip: Salt the water generously—it enhances the pasta’s flavor from the inside out, making your Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken even more delicious. Undercook by 1-2 minutes if mixing with hot sauce later.

Step 2: Creating the Creamy Chicken Base

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 sliced boneless chicken breasts and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and tenderness.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of browning—cook in batches if needed to achieve that golden sear, keeping your Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken extra flavorful.

Step 3: Adding the Garlic

Once the chicken is cooked, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. This step infuses the oil and chicken with garlic’s essence, building the base for the extra creamy sauce.

Pro Tip: Mince garlic finely for even distribution; fresh garlic releases oils quickly, enhancing the aroma and preventing a raw taste in your Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken.

Step 4: Making the Extra Creamy Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates the signature extra creamy texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Adding cheese too quickly can cause clumping—stir continuously and use low heat to achieve a silky sauce for your Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken.

Step 5: Combining and Seasoning

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the extra creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on the parmesan’s saltiness for balanced flavors.

Pro Tip: Use tongs to gently fold the pasta into the sauce, ensuring even coating without breaking the penne, which helps maintain the dish’s appealing texture.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

Garnish the Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve immediately while hot to preserve the extra creamy consistency.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Letting the dish sit too long before serving can make the sauce thicken—serve right away for the best experience.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken, plate it in shallow bowls to showcase the extra creamy sauce glistening over the al dente penne and tender chicken. Add a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few leaves of fresh parsley on top for visual appeal and a burst of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or garlic bread for soaking up every drop of the creamy sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to add crunch and nutrients.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prep the chicken by slicing and seasoning it up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also mince the garlic and grate the parmesan ahead of time to save on busy weeknights, but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture in your Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken.

Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the extra creamy sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk when reheating. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months, though the texture of the penne might soften upon thawing.

The Best Way to Reheat: Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a bit of cream or milk to restore the extra creamy consistency, stirring frequently. Avoid the microwave to prevent the pasta from becoming rubbery—aim for even heating to bring back that original flavorful appeal of Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Penne Pasta with Garlic Parmesan and Creamy Chicken

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring penne tossed with garlic, parmesan cheese, and tender chicken in a rich sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 35g