Few dishes hit the comfort-food sweet spot quite like Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. It’s rich without being heavy, garlicky without overpowering, and cozy without being boring. This is the kind of pasta you make once—and suddenly it becomes part of your weekly rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself after a long day, this garlic chicken pasta delivers big flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients. Juicy seared chicken, tender penne, and a silky garlic cream sauce come together in one pan to create a meal that feels restaurant-quality but is totally doable at home.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best creamy chicken penne pasta you’ve ever had.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

✔ Ready in under 40 minutes
✔ Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
✔ Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining
✔ Comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor
✔ Customizable with veggies, spice, or cheese

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

12 oz penne pasta
2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Build the Garlic Base
In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Cheese & Seasoning
Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let melt into the sauce.
Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the pan. Toss well. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

What Makes This Garlic Chicken Pasta So Good?

The secret is balance.
The garlic brings depth. The cream adds richness. The Parmesan adds salty umami. And the chicken makes it hearty enough for a full meal.

This isn’t just creamy—it’s layered with flavor.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Penne

• Use fresh garlic, not jarred
• Don’t overcook the chicken—juicy is key
• Grate your own Parmesan (it melts better)
• Save pasta water for perfect sauce texture
• Let the sauce simmer, not boil

Variations & Add-Ins

Veggie Boost:
Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli.

Spicy Version:
Double the red pepper flakes or add Cajun seasoning.

Cheesy Upgrade:
Mix in mozzarella or Asiago for extra melt.

Protein Swap:
Use shrimp, turkey, or rotisserie chicken.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed green beans
• Lemon iced tea or sparkling water

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
Reheat: Warm gently with splash of milk or broth
Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauces can split)

Fun Food Fact 🍝

Penne means “quill” in Italian, named after the shape of old writing pens!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Cozy, rich, garlicky, and satisfying—perfect for busy nights, romantic dinners, or comfort food cravings.

Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature pasta dish.