Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the flavor profile, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic-sautéing phase if a subtle heat is desired. This adds a nice contrast to the richness of the cream cheese and butter. Additionally, ensure the parsley is added at the very last second before serving; the fresh, vibrant green color and slight herbaceous note brighten the dish, cutting through the heaviness of the sauce and providing a refreshing finish to every bite.

When cooking for a group, keep the pasta warm by tossing it with a tiny amount of olive oil immediately after draining. This prevents the noodles from sticking together while you finish searing the chicken and preparing the sauce.

If you find the sauce cooling too quickly on the plates, you can warm your serving dishes in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes before plating. This simple step helps maintain the perfect serving temperature for a longer period, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Incorporate one teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the garlic sautéing step. This provides a gentle, warming heat that perfectly cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, adding a new dimension to the flavor profile.
• Spinach and Garlic Penne: Add two cups of fresh baby spinach to the skillet when tossing the pasta with the sauce. Cook just until the leaves have wilted, adding a burst of color and a fresh, earthy flavor to the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish cools to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce until it is creamy and warmed through.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool down completely to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It will remain delicious in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When storing, try to keep the pasta and sauce mixture together, as this helps maintain the moisture and prevents the noodles from drying out. Avoid storing the dish in the freezer, as the cream-based sauce tends to separate and lose its smooth, velvety texture upon thawing.

You can prepare the chicken and cook the pasta ahead of time to save effort later. Store the cooked chicken and pasta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, prepare the sauce fresh in the skillet, then add the chicken and pasta to the pan to heat through together. This method ensures that the sauce stays fresh and avoids the potential for the pasta to become overly soft or the sauce to break during reheating.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy garlic butter chicken penne immediately in warmed bowls to ensure the sauce stays at its peak consistency. The dish is hearty enough to be served as a complete meal, though it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad of crisp greens and a light vinaigrette.

The acidity of the salad dressing provides a wonderful balance to the rich, creamy nature of the pasta, making for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner that is sure to please everyone at the table.

For a complete presentation, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley over the top just before bringing the bowls to the table. If you enjoy a bit of texture, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or toasted breadcrumbs can add an interesting crunch that complements the softness of the cream cheese sauce.

Ensure that each serving gets a generous portion of the chicken and that every noodle is thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce, creating a visually appealing and delicious final result.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

Prep 10 minCook 15 minRest 3 minTotal 28 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander and set aside until ready to use.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 3 minutes before combining.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute. Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the cooked penne, and toss everything together until well coated in the glossy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

65 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.