The Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne with Parmesan Cream Sauce

There’s something irresistible about the combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce that makes this creamy garlic chicken penne an absolute crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for company, this dish strikes the ideal balance between comfort food and sophisticated flavor. I’ve been perfecting this creamy garlic chicken penne recipe for years, and it’s consistently the most requested meal when friends and family gather at my table. The rich, garlicky sauce clings beautifully to the ridges of the penne pasta, while juicy pieces of chicken add satisfying protein, creating a complete meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes.

What Makes This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne So Special?

The secret to this creamy garlic chicken penne lies in building layers of flavor throughout the cooking process. Unlike many cream sauce recipes that can be one-dimensional, this dish incorporates techniques that professional chefs use to create depth and complexity. By searing the chicken properly to develop a golden crust, then using that same pan to build the sauce, you capture all those delicious browned bits (what chefs call “fond”) that add incredible richness to the final dish.

Another game-changing element is the balance of fresh and dried herbs. While dried herbs infuse the sauce with consistent flavor, the addition of fresh herbs at the end provides bright, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish. The result is a creamy garlic chicken penne that tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant, even though it’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 8 garlic cloves, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed, drained)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
2. In a bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (cook in batches if necessary).
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and just cooked through.
7. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
2. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
4. Drain pasta but do not rinse, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
4. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Once smooth, add heavy cream and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add dried Italian herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, then reduce heat to medium-low.
7. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce begins to thicken slightly.
8. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

Putting It All Together:

1. Add spinach to the sauce, stirring until just wilted, about 1 minute.
2. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, including any accumulated juices.
3. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce.
4. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
5. Stir in fresh basil and parsley, reserving a small amount for garnish.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and remaining herbs.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

The first time I made this dish, I rushed the chicken-cooking process and didn’t achieve that beautiful golden sear. What a difference proper technique makes! For truly restaurant-quality results, don’t crowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Working in batches takes a few extra minutes but delivers significantly better flavor and texture.

Another game-changer I’ve discovered is the importance of your Parmesan cheese choice. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Whenever possible, buy a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself just before using. The sauce will be noticeably silkier and more flavorful.

For the garlic, I’ve found that a garlic press delivers the perfect texture—finer than chopped but not as paste-like as microplaned garlic. This allows the garlic to properly infuse the sauce without bitter or overwhelming notes.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic chicken penne is essentially a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings to round out your dinner:

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini for added vegetables
• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette for soaking up extra sauce
• A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay for the adults

When I host dinner parties, I often serve this dish family-style in a large, shallow serving bowl garnished with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan curls. The presentation is stunning and always elicits compliments before anyone even takes a bite!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Like many pasta dishes, this creamy garlic chicken penne can be prepped ahead in several ways to make your meal preparation even easier:

• The chicken can be seasoned and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• The entire dish can be fully prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
• For best results when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture.
• Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop over the microwave. Gentle heat and occasional stirring help maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency without separating.

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Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works particularly well because the ridges and tube shape capture the sauce beautifully, you can substitute any medium-sized pasta shape such as rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli with excellent results.

How can I make this dish lighter?

To reduce calories, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. You can also increase the proportion of vegetables by adding more spinach or incorporating zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

This is challenging since Parmesan and cream are central to the flavor profile, but you could attempt a version using unsweetened coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be different but still delicious in its own right.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful concentrated flavor and beautiful color contrast, you can omit them or substitute roasted red peppers for a different but complementary flavor profile.

Variations to Try

While this classic version of creamy garlic chicken penne is hard to beat, here are some delicious variations to expand your repertoire:

• Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for an elegant twist. Reduce cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or a mix) and sauté them after cooking the chicken for an earthy flavor dimension.
• Spicy Cajun Style: Double the red pepper flakes and add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to both the chicken and the sauce for a kicked-up version.
• Spring Vegetable: Add tender asparagus pieces and fresh peas in the last few minutes of cooking for a seasonal variation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason this creamy garlic chicken penne has become my signature dish. Beyond its incredible flavor, it’s remarkably versatile and forgiving. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, the clear steps and techniques build your kitchen confidence while consistently delivering impressive results.

What I particularly appreciate about this recipe is how it bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasions. Served in a regular bowl on a Tuesday night, it’s comforting family fare. Presented in your best dishware with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and accompanied by a glass of wine, it’s suddenly dinner party-worthy.

The combination of creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and seasoned chicken creates a harmonious balance that appeals to both sophisticated palates and picky eaters alike. In our busy world, finding recipes that are simultaneously quick, impressive, and universally loved is truly valuable, and this creamy garlic chicken penne with Parmesan cream sauce delivers on all fronts.