Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 25 minutes
– Total time: 40 minutes
– Servings: 4–5
– Difficulty: Easy
– Cooking method: Stovetop
Ingredients
For the chicken
– 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¾ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For the pasta
– 12 ounces (340 g) penne pasta
– 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the vegetables
– 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– ½ medium red onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the garlic butter sauce
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– ½ cup chicken broth
– ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
Optional creamy addition
– ¼ cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons cream cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Wash and pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Slice them into medium-sized strips or bite-sized pieces.
Place the chicken in a mixing bowl.
Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and dried oregano.
Mix thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
Allow the chicken to marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the penne pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add salt and penne pasta.
Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Reserve approximately ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Do not rinse the pasta because the natural starch helps the sauce cling to it.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Turn until both sides develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
Make sure the thickest pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the vegetables
Using the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil if needed.
Add the diced red onion.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Avoid burning the garlic.
Step 5: Add cherry tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
Sprinkle with Italian herbs, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes.
The tomatoes should soften slightly and release their natural juices.
Stir gently to create a flavorful tomato mixture.
Step 6: Prepare the garlic butter sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add butter to the skillet.
Allow it to melt completely.
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice.
Stir gently, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release the flavorful browned bits.
Add Parmesan cheese and mix until incorporated.
Step 7: Make the sauce creamy
For a creamier version, add heavy cream and cream cheese.
Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet.
Toss gently until every piece is coated with the garlic butter sauce.
Allow the pasta to cook in the sauce for approximately 1–2 minutes.
Step 9: Add the chicken
Slice the rested chicken into strips if it has not already been sliced.
Add the chicken pieces to the pasta.
Gently toss everything together.
Make sure the chicken, pasta, tomatoes, and onions are evenly distributed.
Step 10: Add fresh herbs
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta.
Add extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Mix lightly.
Step 11: Final finishing touch
Allow everything to heat together for another minute.
The sauce should lightly coat the penne pasta, while the chicken remains juicy and the tomatoes soft and flavorful.
Step 12: Serve
Transfer the pasta into a large serving bowl.
Arrange a few golden chicken strips on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately while warm.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious chicken pasta pairs beautifully with:
– Garlic bread
– Caesar salad
– Fresh cucumber salad
– Roasted broccoli
– Steamed green beans
– Garlic butter mushrooms
– Grilled zucchini
– Freshly baked dinner rolls
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving, based on 5 servings using the garlic butter sauce without optional cream.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 510 kcal
Protein 43 g
Carbohydrates 49 g
Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 5 g
Sodium 590 mg
Potassium 650 mg
Calcium 130 mg
Iron 2.5 mg
Vitamin C 22 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Quick Nutrition Info (Q/S)
– Protein: Chicken provides high-quality protein for muscle growth and maintenance.
– Vitamin B6: Chicken supports normal energy metabolism.
– Vitamin B12: Chicken and Parmesan cheese contribute vitamin B12 for healthy nerve function.
– Vitamin C: Cherry tomatoes and lemon juice provide vitamin C, supporting immune function.
– Lycopene: Red tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant.
– Potassium: Tomatoes contribute potassium for normal muscle and nerve function.
– Calcium: Parmesan cheese provides calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
– Fiber: Tomatoes and onions contribute dietary fiber.
– Folate: Tomatoes contribute folate, which supports normal cell function.
– Iron: Chicken and pasta contribute iron for normal oxygen transport.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Do not overcook the penne; keep it slightly firm.
2. Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better browning.
3. Use freshly minced garlic for stronger flavor.
4. Cook chicken in batches if your skillet is small.
5. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for natural sweetness.
6. Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
7. Add Parmesan gradually to prevent clumping.
8. Use fresh parsley for a bright finishing flavor.
9. Add lemon juice at the end for freshness.
10. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Delicious Recipe Variations
1. Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne: Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
2. Spicy Chicken Pasta: Add extra chili flakes and cayenne pepper.
3. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Increase Parmesan and roasted garlic.
4. Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: Add olives, spinach, and feta cheese.
5. Chicken Broccoli Penne: Add steamed broccoli florets.
6. Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze in airtight portions for up to 2 months for best quality.
– Stovetop reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth and warm over low heat.
– Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals.
Avoid overheating because chicken can become dry and pasta can turn soft.
Allergen Information
– Contains gluten (regular penne pasta).
– Contains dairy (butter and Parmesan cheese).
– May contain dairy from optional cream and cream cheese.
– Check packaged ingredients for possible cross-contact.
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Included?
Peanuts No
Almonds No
Walnuts No
Cashews No
Pistachios No
Pecans No
Hazelnuts No
Other tree nuts No
Nut allergy note: This recipe does not require peanuts or tree nuts. Check packaged pasta, cheese, broth, and seasonings for possible cross-contact.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Garlic Herb Chicken Penne Pasta with juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a rich buttery garlic sauce!