A rich, creamy, and delicious pasta loaded with juicy seasoned chicken, garlic, Parmesan, and a smooth cream sauce!
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300g penne pasta
- Salt, for boiling water
Chicken
- 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Add chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce.
- Toss until fully coated.
- Add the cooked chicken.
- Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 650–750 kcal
- Protein: 40–45g
- Carbohydrates: 55–65g
- Fat: 28–35g
- Fiber: 3–5g
Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Nut Information & Allergens
Nut-Free: This recipe does not normally contain nuts.
Contains:
- Dairy: Butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese
- Gluten: Regular penne pasta
Always check packaged ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Q&A
Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Fusilli, fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni work well.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add extra red chili flakes.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be extra juicy.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Q: How do I reheat it?
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
