Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne – A One-Pot Pasta Dream!

If you love creamy pasta dishes that are full of flavor and easy to make, this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is about to become your new go-to dinner recipe. It’s everything comfort food should be: rich, garlicky, loaded with tender chicken, and packed with broccoli for a nutritious twist. Best of all? It all comes together in one pot for easy cleanup!

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and cozy, this pasta hits the spot every time.

 Ingredients

For the Chicken & Pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 cups penne pasta
• 1½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup milk (optional – to thin the sauce if needed)
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes

 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:

• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
• Add the penne pasta and cook until nearly al dente (about 1–2 minutes before fully cooked).
• Add the broccoli florets to the same pot during the last minute of cooking.
• Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.

2. Sear the Chicken:

• In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Sauté the chicken for 4–6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm.

3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant (do not brown).
• Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then add the Parmesan cheese.
• Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.
• For a hint of warmth, stir in a pinch of nutmeg.

4. Combine Everything:

• Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the pan.
• Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
• Cook for another 1–2 minutes on low heat to blend flavors.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Plate the pasta in shallow bowls.
• Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.

 Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra umami.
• Use rotisserie chicken if you’re in a rush.
• Want it lighter? Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Everything cooks in one pan
• Creamy, cheesy, and full of garlic flavor
• Kid-friendly and meal prep–friendly
• Perfect balance of indulgent and healthy