Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne Pasta (Better Than Restaurant!)
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and comforting pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne is the perfect choice. Juicy chicken strips, tender penne pasta, fresh broccoli, and a silky garlic cream sauce come together in one irresistible meal your whole family will love.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend dinner. Best of all, it tastes just like something you’d order at a restaurant—but made right at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1½ cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk (optional, for a lighter sauce)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
1 Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain well and set aside.
2 Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken strips, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3 Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not let it burn).
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
4 Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and gently toss everything together until the cheese melts and the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it should stay slightly firm
- Add a splash of pasta cooking water if the sauce gets too thick
- You can substitute broccoli with mushrooms or spinach
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- A fresh green salad
- Extra Parmesan on top