Description

This creamy garlic chicken penne is the perfect balance of rich, garlicky sauce, juicy chicken, and tender pasta. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s elegant enough for guests and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The Parmesan cream sauce clings to every bite, while fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes bring brightness and depth.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter

For the Pasta and Sauce:

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

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then cream.
Stir in Parmesan, Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until thickened, 3–4 minutes.
Combine:
Stir in spinach until wilted. Return chicken to pan. Add pasta and toss to coat.
Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water. Stir in basil and parsley.
Season to taste. Garnish with more Parmesan and herbs. Serve hot.

Notes

or best results, use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded).
To save time, season the chicken and prep garlic in advance.
Leftovers reheat best on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
Optional: add mushrooms or swap chicken for shrimp.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner Ideas
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1½ cups
Calories: 620
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: garlic chicken penne, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, parmesan pasta