Here’s a rich, savory, and totally satisfying pasta dish: Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne. It features juicy, seasoned chicken, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and tender penne pasta — all in one comforting, crowd-pleasing skillet.
🍝 Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the chicken:
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1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the pasta & sauce:
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12 oz penne pasta
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2 tablespoons butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1½ cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
Instructions:
🔹 1. Cook the pasta:
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
🔹 2. Cook the chicken:
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Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
🔹 3. Make the creamy garlic sauce:
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream, stirring until smooth.
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Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
🔹 4. Combine:
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Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce.
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Toss everything together and heat through. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
🔹 5. Serve:
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Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan and serve hot.
✅ Tips & Variations:
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Add fresh spinach or steamed broccoli in the final step for veggies.
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Try with Cajun seasoning for a spicy version.
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Use rotisserie chicken for an ultra-fast version.
Would you like a baked version or a dairy-free adaptation?