garlic butter chicken on creamy penne pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken on Creamy Penne Pasta

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Garlic Butter Chicken on Creamy Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food dinner. Juicy, golden-seared chicken is coated in rich garlic butter and served over tender penne pasta tossed in a silky, creamy sauce. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet comes together easily at home.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even casual date nights. The combination of savory garlic, buttery chicken, and creamy pasta creates a flavor-packed meal that’s satisfying without being complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken on Creamy Penne Pasta

  • Rich garlic butter flavor
  • Creamy, smooth pasta sauce
  • Family-friendly and comforting
  • Ready in about 40 minutes
  • Perfect for leftovers
  • Easy to customize

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Restaurant Flavor at Home

This recipe delivers bold garlic and butter flavors paired with creamy pasta, making it feel like a special meal without the restaurant price.

Perfect Balance of Creamy & Savory

The garlic butter enhances the chicken while the creamy penne sauce keeps everything smooth and satisfying.

Versatile & Reliable

You can add vegetables, adjust seasoning, or swap pasta shapes easily, making this recipe adaptable for any household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Penne pasta
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken on Creamy Penne Pasta (Step by Step)

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice.

Step 3: Make the garlic butter base

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Step 4: Create the creamy sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened.

Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce

Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.

Step 6: Add chicken back

Top pasta with sliced garlic butter chicken. Spoon extra sauce over the top.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 600–750
  • Protein: 35–40g
  • Carbohydrates: 45–55g
  • Fat: 35–45g
  • Sodium: Moderate

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

  • Don’t overcook the chicken
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting
  • Cook pasta just until al dente
  • Add pasta water gradually for silky sauce
  • Let chicken rest before slicing

Variations & Substitutions

  • Add spinach or broccoli
  • Use shrimp instead of chicken
  • Swap penne for fettuccine
  • Make it lighter with half-and-half
  • Add mushrooms for depth
  • Use gluten-free pasta
creamy garlic chicken penne bowl

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

  • Garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Steamed green beans
  • Lemon-dressed greens

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overheating the cream sauce
  • Using pre-shredded cheese
  • Overcooking pasta
  • Skipping seasoning
  • Not reserving pasta water

Storing & Reheating Tips

  • Store in airtight container
  • Refrigerate up to 3–4 days
  • Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream
  • Avoid freezing (cream sauce texture changes)
  • Stir frequently when reheating

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken on Creamy Penne Pasta is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, buttery garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet simple enough for any night of the week. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite.

General Information

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: About 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner / Pasta

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay very juicy.

2. What type of pasta works best?
Penne is ideal, but rotini, fettuccine, or rigatoni also work great.

3. Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add reserved pasta water or a splash of milk while stirring.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or peas are great additions.

6. How long does it last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

7. Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s not recommended because cream sauces can separate after freezing.

8. Why is my sauce grainy?
This can happen if the heat is too high when adding cheese. Lower heat and stir gently.

9. Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

10. What pairs well with this dish?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.

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