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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting yet elegant meal combines fresh garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful family favorite. Easily customizable with veggies, spices, or alternative proteins, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 oz penne pasta

Sauce

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Penne Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
  4. Combine Everything: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet along with the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything thoroughly to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
  • Cook penne pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when tossed in sauce.
  • Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness and ensure a silky sauce.
  • Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, chicken pasta recipe, Parmesan sauce pasta

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-penne/