Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender chicken and penne pasta coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing, restaurant-quality meal made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked to al dente
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/4 cups milk (any percentage)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and Italian seasoning, whisking constantly for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Continue to cook, whisking, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Stir in the remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture if desired.
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- For a spicier version, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Not ideal for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
