Last winter, my family spent a long weekend snowed in at my parents’ house. The fireplace crackled all day, the kids built lopsided snowmen in the backyard, and my mom pulled out a stack of board games we hadn’t touched in years.

⁠

On that second night, my brother and I took over the kitchen. He’s the kind of cook who adds chili flakes to everything, while I’m more into comfort food that hugs the belly. We found a few chicken breasts in the fridge, a head of garlic, and some heavy cream my dad swore was “still fine.” Penne pasta was tucked away in the pantry, and from there, we threw together what turned out to be a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that coated every bite of pasta and tender chicken.

We served it around the table, still wearing socks and thermal layers, while snow kept falling quietly outside. My niece dipped her bread straight into the sauce, my son went back for thirds, and even my grandmother—who usually critiques everything—nodded in approval.

No one spoke much that evening. Just the quiet sounds of forks scraping plates and someone refilling wine glasses. That dish stayed with me. Not just because it was delicious, but because it brought the whole family around the table in a way we don’t always get anymore.

Short Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne is a quick, one-skillet dinner made with tender chicken, buttery garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta.

Key Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Tools Needed

Large pot (for pasta)
Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente, following package directions (about 10–11 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden on all sides and fully cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in flour and stir for about 1 minute until a paste forms. This step helps thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer
Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add heavy cream and keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the cheese melt into the sauce completely.

Step 7: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is well-coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Rich and creamy without being too heavy

– Made in one pan (less cleanup!)

– Packed with garlic flavor balanced by creamy sauce

– Quick enough for a weeknight but impressive for guests

– Customizable with veggies or other proteins

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overcooking the Chicken
Dry chicken ruins the texture. Cook just until no longer pink—about 5–7 minutes.

2. Burnt Garlic
Garlic cooks fast. Keep heat medium and stir constantly to avoid bitterness.

3. Lumpy Sauce
Whisk the flour into butter evenly before adding broth, and pour liquids in slowly to prevent clumps.

4. Undercooked Pasta
Pasta should be al dente—not mushy—so it holds up in the sauce.

5. Sauce Too Thin
Let the sauce simmer longer or add a teaspoon of flour mixed with water to thicken.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Main Dish: Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli.

Pair with Bread: Garlic bread or a soft baguette soaks up the extra sauce beautifully.

Drinks: Try a light white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling water with lemon.

Serving Style: Perfect for casual family dinners or plated for a cozy date night.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Avoid freezing due to cream-based sauce separation.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just skip the sauté step and add it in during the final toss with pasta and sauce.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly thinner. Add a little extra flour if needed.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all, but you can add red pepper flakes if you want a kick.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.

5. Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If making ahead, store pasta and sauce separately for best texture.

Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, brown the butter slightly before adding garlic.

Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts smoother and tastes better.

Don’t rinse your pasta after draining. The starch helps the sauce cling better.

Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining in case your sauce needs thinning.

Add chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne
Swap chicken for peeled shrimp. Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, then follow the recipe as written.

2. Vegetarian Version
Omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers. Adjust broth to ¾ cup if needed.

3. Spicy Kick Version
Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic and stir in 1 tbsp of hot sauce to the cream sauce.

4. Lighter Option
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter to 1 tbsp. Flavor remains great, but lighter.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Penne might be simple, but it filled our kitchen with warmth and gave us a pause from the world outside. It didn’t need a holiday or a special guest—it just needed a hungry family, a stove, and enough chairs around the table. Even now, every time I make it, I can almost hear the snow hitting the windows and the sound of my daughter giggling with her cousin over who got more Parmesan.

Creamy Garlic Chicken And Penne