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- 300g penne pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley, for garnish When I think of Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne, I picture a dish that brings warmth and comfort. The main ingredients are simple yet important. The penne pasta forms a perfect base, while the chicken gives it substance. Garlic adds a strong, fragrant touch, making it irresistible. Next, we have the cooking essentials. Heavy cream creates that rich, creamy texture we love. Chicken broth brings depth of flavor, while Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. Olive oil is key for cooking the chicken and starting the dish off right. Don’t forget the seasoning and garnish. Italian herbs add a burst of flavor, and salt and pepper balance everything out. Fresh parsley not only looks great but also adds freshness to the plate. For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe. Remember, each ingredient plays a role in making this dish truly special! Start by filling a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save a cup of the starchy pasta water for later. While the pasta cooks, take your diced chicken breasts. Season them well with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate. In the same skillet, add your minced garlic. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. You want the garlic to smell amazing! Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a rich and creamy texture. Now it's time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne. Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Before serving, taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and freshly ground pepper if needed. Once it tastes just right, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. For the full recipe, check below! To avoid burning garlic, cook it slowly. Add it to your pan after the chicken. Stir it often for one to two minutes. You want it golden, not brown. This gives a nice flavor without bitterness. For a creamy consistency, use heavy cream. Slowly add it to the pan after the broth. Stir often to blend. Let it simmer on low heat. This helps it thicken and get rich. Timing is key for pasta. If you overcook it, it turns mushy. Check the package for cooking times. Start tasting the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. Look for a firm bite when you taste it. It should not be hard but have some resistance. This is the perfect al dente texture for your penne. For side dishes, think about a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works well. Garlic bread adds a nice crunch and flavor. To present your dish, use shallow bowls. This makes the meal look elegant. Top it with extra Parmesan and a sprig of parsley. It adds color and style to your creamy garlic chicken penne. {{image_4}} You can make this dish fit many diets. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good substitutes that taste great. You can easily find them in stores. For a vegan option, swap the chicken and cream. Use chickpeas or tofu for protein. Instead of heavy cream, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These options keep the dish creamy and rich. Want to boost the flavor? Add vegetables to your dish. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts nicely and adds nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of flavor, too. They add a nice sweetness that pairs well with garlic. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if you like it spicy. You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works wonderfully in this dish. It cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood twist. Tofu is another great substitute. Make sure to press it first to remove excess water. Cook it until golden brown for the best texture. Adjust cooking times as needed. Shrimp cooks fast, while tofu takes a bit longer to get crispy. Explore these variations to make the dish your own. Each twist offers a fresh take on a classic. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This dish will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you notice any change in smell or color, it’s best to throw it away. You can freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze it within two days of making it. This dish can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, check the next section for the best methods that keep it creamy and delicious. To reheat your creamy dish, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep it smooth. Stir it gently to avoid burning. If you prefer the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can make the sauce separate. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! Making Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne takes about 35 minutes. You need 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. This timing works well for a quick weeknight meal. Yes, you can add more garlic if you love its flavor. Start with an extra clove. Taste as you go to avoid making the dish too strong. Garlic adds depth, but balance is key. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. A simple side of steamed broccoli can also add color and nutrition. These sides complement the creamy sauce and give you a complete meal. To add spice, try red pepper flakes or black pepper. Start with a pinch and stir. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken. This change gives a nice heat to the meal. Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Cook the penne just before serving. This method keeps the pasta fresh and prevents it from getting soggy. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. This blog post covered how to make Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and serving ideas. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy creating your dish and sharing it with others!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne

Indulge in a creamy garlic chicken penne that’s sure to impress! This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, all topped with freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to make and full of flavor. Click through to discover the simple steps and elevate your mealtime with this delicious recipe!
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Ingredients
  

300g penne pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture, usually around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a small cup of the starchy pasta water.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. While the oil heats, season the diced chicken breasts liberally with salt, black pepper, and the dried Italian herbs. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate while you prepare the sauce.

      Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it becomes fragrant without burning. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

        Create the Creamy Base: Carefully pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to simmer gently for about 2 minutes. Gradually add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring continuously to combine. Allow the sauce to continue simmering on low heat for about 3-4 minutes, which will help it thicken into a luscious creamy texture.

          Combine Everything: Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked penne pasta. Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until all ingredients are well combined and the pasta and chicken are enveloped in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

            Season and Garnish: Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground pepper, if necessary. Once perfect, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

              Zusatzinformationen:

                - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley.