Description: Indulge in this comforting and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne, a delightful Italian-American inspired dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious creamy garlic sauce. This recipe is designed for a quick and satisfying meal, ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a taste of homemade goodness.
Ingredients:
→ For the Chicken & Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
→ For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
→ For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta and helps it cook evenly. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. Al dente pasta has a slight resistance when bitten into, preventing it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. In the last 2 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. This ensures the broccoli is tender-crisp and retains its vibrant green color. Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water, as this starchy water will help the sauce adhere to the pasta later. Set the pasta and broccoli aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. These spices create a savory and flavorful base for the chicken. Toss the chicken well to ensure it is evenly coated with the seasonings. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough so that the chicken sizzles upon contact, creating a beautiful sear. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the hot skillet, ensuring they are in a single layer to promote even cooking. Sear the chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, until it is golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine the ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy base for the sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and scorching. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Add the cooked penne pasta, broccoli florets, and seared chicken strips back into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure that the pasta, broccoli, and chicken are evenly coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Continue to toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve the dish warm immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The creamy garlic sauce combined with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and broccoli creates a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Comforting and Satisfying: A hearty and filling meal that satisfies your cravings for comfort food.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables, proteins, and spices to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables without complaint.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Garnish with additional toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.
- For a more complete meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans.
Tips:
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a little olive oil after draining.
- For a richer and more intense garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic in the sauce.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- To add a touch of sweetness to the dish, include sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- If you want to make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 40-45g
- Sodium: 700-800mg
Conclusion:
The Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. With its ease of preparation, customizable options, and satisfying taste, it’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and savor the culinary masterpiece you’re about to create. Bon appétit!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While penne is a great choice for this recipe because its ridges hold the sauce well, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes such as fettuccine, rotini, fusilli, or even shells. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Remember that different shapes might affect how the sauce clings, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: I’m looking for a dairy-free option. Can I still make this recipe?
A: Yes, you can certainly adapt this recipe to be dairy-free! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a similar richness and creaminess. For the Parmesan cheese, you can use nutritional yeast to achieve a cheesy flavor, or opt for a dairy-free Parmesan alternative available in many grocery stores. Be sure to use a dairy-free butter substitute as well. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q3: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. Besides broccoli, you can add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or peas. For heartier vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts, consider roasting them separately and adding them to the pasta during the final toss. This ensures they are cooked through and retain their texture.
Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: If you enjoy a kick, there are several ways to add heat to this recipe. You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more intense spice. Alternatively, use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken, or add a drizzle of chili oil at the end. You could also use a spicier blend of Italian seasoning.
Q5: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare elements of this dish in advance. The chicken can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy garlic sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated. When reheating the pasta and sauce together, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. However, avoid cooking the pasta too far in advance, as it can become mushy. Add the broccoli right before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
