🍝🍗 Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne – A Rich and Flavorful Comfort Dish!
This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne combines tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and the satisfying texture of penne pasta and broccoli. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in.
🛒 Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 cups penne pasta
1.5 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp paprika
🍴 Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to steam them along with the pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, and paprika, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed.
Add minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add a splash of cream (about 1 cup) or a cream substitute of your choice, stirring to combine and create a creamy sauce.
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
Combine Everything:
Return the chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out and achieve your desired consistency.
Serve:
Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan or parsley if desired.
🍽 Pro Tips:
For added richness, you can sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese or Parmesan over the top before serving.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little heat.
If you prefer a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
🔄 Variations:
Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms along with the garlic for extra flavor and texture.
Switch Up the Veggies: Replace the broccoli with spinach, zucchini, or peas for a different twist.
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Internal Link: Link to other chicken pasta recipes or creamy pasta dishes on your blog.
External Link: Link to pasta brands or olive oil recommendations.
This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner! Let me know if you need anything else or if you’d like some tweaks to the recipe. Enjoy!