Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

 

Rich, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

This creamy garlic chicken penne is one of those meals that feels like a warm, comforting hug at the end of a long day. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but rich and satisfying enough to feel a little special.

Tender pieces of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky garlic cream sauce come together in a way that’s hard to resist. Add a bit of broccoli for freshness, and you’ve got a complete, cozy meal in one bowl.

Flavor & Texture Highlights

• Creamy, velvety garlic sauce
• Juicy, golden-seared chicken
• Tender pasta that soaks up all the flavor
• Fresh broccoli for a slight crunch and balance

Jump to Section

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• What You’ll Need
• How to Make It
• Expert Tips
• Storage
• FAQs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy for busy nights
• One-pan friendly and simple cleanup
• Family-friendly and filling
• Perfect balance of creamy and savory
• Easy to customize with extra veggies

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

This dish starts with chicken breast, sliced into strips and lightly seasoned before being seared until golden and juicy.

Penne pasta is perfect here because it holds onto the creamy garlic sauce so well. Broccoli adds a fresh, slightly crisp texture that balances the richness of the dish.

The sauce is made with garlic, cream, and a touch of cheese, creating that smooth, comforting finish that brings everything together.

Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Step by Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil and cook the chicken until golden on the outside and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, add a bit more oil or butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the cream and stir gently, letting it warm through. Add grated cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Add Broccoli

Stir in the broccoli and let it cook until just tender but still vibrant.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm, with extra cheese or herbs on top if desired.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the chicken—keep it juicy
• Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor
• Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick
• Cook broccoli just until tender for the best texture

How to Store and Reheat It

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh lemon wedges for brightness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli works well.

Can I make it lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—spinach, mushrooms, or peas are great additions.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Add a little pasta water or milk to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water, then drain.
2. Season and cook chicken in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Sauté garlic in the same pan.
4. Add cream and stir, then mix in Parmesan until smooth.
5. Add broccoli and cook until tender.
6. Return pasta and chicken to the pan and toss well.
7. Serve warm.

Notes

• Add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
• Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor.
• Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic chicken penne is the kind of meal that quickly becomes part of your regular rotation. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to pull together without much effort.

Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again whenever you need something simple and satisfying.