Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and creamy sauce tossed with penne pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Flavoring and Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, and stir briefly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted into a smooth sauce.
Combining the Dish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne and toss to combine. If using spinach, stir it in at the end and cook until wilted.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Ensure your chicken is cut into even pieces for consistent cooking. You can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. The creaminess can be adjusted based on preference. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for enhanced flavor and nutrition.