1-First off, gather everything and get prepped cube the chicken and mince the garlic to make things smooth. If you’re tweaking for dietary needs, like using tofu instead, do that now too. This step sets you up for success without any last-minute rushes.

2-Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne pasta as per the package, aiming for just before al dente so it holds up in the sauce. While that’s happening, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 1 minute until it smells amazing.

3-Then, add the cubed chicken to that skillet and cook it until it’s done all the way through. Once ready, pull it out and set it aside. In the same skillet, melt another 4 tablespoons of butter, add more minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. For more ideas on pasta dishes, check out our creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe that pairs well with this one.

4-Now, stir in the flour, salt, and pepper to form a roux, cooking it for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the milk and half-and-half, keeping that stir going until the mix thickens up in about 5-6 minutes. Melt in the Parmesan and Colby Jack cheeses until everything’s smooth and creamy.

5-Finally, mix in the cooked chicken and sliced jalapeno peppers, then add the drained pasta and toss it all together. Serve it hot and adjust seasonings as you like. It’s that easy, and you’ll have a meal ready in no time.