Can I add vegetables to creamy garlic chicken penne without thinning the sauce?

Yes, you can add vegetables without ruining the sauce’s texture. Choose low-moisture options like spinach or sautéed mushrooms. Add spinach at the very end to wilt it gently, or cook mushrooms with the chicken to enhance flavor. Avoid watery vegetables like zucchini or tomatoes, as their extra water content can thin the sauce and affect its creamy consistency.

What type of Parmesan cheese works best for creamy garlic chicken penne?

Using a Parmesan wedge that you grate yourself is best, since it melts smoothly and has a sharper, richer flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan is convenient and still works but may not achieve the same creamy finish and depth of taste. Freshly grated cheese helps the sauce thicken better and enhances the overall dish.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter in this recipe?

You can use lighter dairy like half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind this changes the sauce’s texture. Half-and-half will produce a thinner sauce, and milk can curdle if heated too quickly or at a high temperature. If using lighter alternatives, cook over low heat and avoid boiling to maintain creaminess.

What should I do if my garlic cream sauce doesn’t thicken?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer gently for a few more minutes before adding the pasta. Avoid boiling, as this can make the sauce separate. You can also stir in an extra small handful of Parmesan cheese at the end to help thicken it naturally. Gradual heat and patience are key for a smooth, creamy sauce.

Is it possible to prepare creamy garlic chicken penne ahead of time?

The sauce tastes best fresh right after cooking, so fully made creamy garlic chicken penne is not ideal for make-ahead meals. However, you can prep ingredients in advance—chop garlic, cube chicken, and measure spices—so cooking on the day is quicker and easier. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne Recipe With Rich Sauce And Tender Chicken

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 8 oz dry penne pasta cooked as per package directions for the hearty base; – 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs cubed for the main protein; – 1 tsp Italian seasoning used to season the chicken; – 1/2 tsp kosher salt for seasoning the chicken; – 1/2 tsp black pepper for seasoning the chicken; – 1/2 tsp paprika for seasoning the chicken; – 1/4 tsp garlic powder for seasoning the chicken; – 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking the chicken until golden and juices run clear; – 2 tbsp butter sautéed with garlic to create the fragrant base; – 6 cloves minced garlic added to butter for aroma; – 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth simmered to build the sauce; – 1 cup room temperature heavy cream stirred in to enrich and thicken the sauce; – 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese mixed in for creaminess and depth; – 2 tbsp chopped parsley sprinkled on top before serving

Description

🍝 Savor a creamy garlic chicken pasta that’s rich in flavor with tender, juicy chicken pieces.
🧄 This dish offers a comforting meal perfect for dinner with a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.

Ingredients

– 8 oz dry penne pasta cooked as per package directions for the hearty base

– 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs cubed for the main protein

– 1 tsp Italian seasoning used to season the chicken

– 1/2 tsp kosher salt for seasoning the chicken

– 1/2 tsp black pepper for seasoning the chicken

– 1/2 tsp paprika for seasoning the chicken

– 1/4 tsp garlic powder for seasoning the chicken

– 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking the chicken until golden and juices run clear

– 2 tbsp butter sautéed with garlic to create the fragrant base

– 6 cloves minced garlic added to butter for aroma

– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth simmered to build the sauce

– 1 cup room temperature heavy cream stirred in to enrich and thicken the sauce

– 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese mixed in for creaminess and depth

– 2 tbsp chopped parsley sprinkled on top before serving

Instructions

1-Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s golden and the juices run clear, about 6-8 minutes.

2-In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter and 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them together until the garlic smells amazing and is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3-Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.

4-Mix in the cooked penne pasta, coating it well with the broth in the skillet.

5-Stir in 1 cup of room temperature heavy cream and 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and everything combines smoothly.

6-Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped parsley on top and serve hot for a fresh finish.

Notes

🧊 Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent sauce separation.
🧀 Fresh grated Parmesan melts smoother and enhances flavor.
🍗 Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well if carefully cooked.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Pasta
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 170 g
Calories: 462
Fat: 30.2 g
Saturated Fat: 11.1 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 103 mg

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Chicken, Pasta, Rich Sauce, Tender Chicken