Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Parmesan Sauce Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a touch of freshness, consider finishing the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a subtle heat. These small additions provide a beautiful color contrast and brighten the overall flavor of the creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate garlic and parmesan notes.

If you find the sauce has thickened too much while sitting, add a splash of warm water or additional cream while reheating. This helps to loosen the sauce and return it to its original, silky consistency. Always stir gently over low heat to ensure the sauce remains smooth and does not break or separate during the process.

Variations

• Spinach and Chicken Penne: Stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach during the final minute of tossing the pasta. The heat from the sauce will wilt the spinach perfectly, adding a touch of color and texture to the dish.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add one teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the minced garlic. This variation provides a gentle, warming heat that cuts through the richness of the cream and parmesan sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the dish is cooled within 2 hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce consistency, until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken significantly as it cools, which is normal.

When you are ready to serve again, add a tiny splash of water or cream to the container before reheating to help restore the creamy texture of the sauce and ensure the pasta is heated through properly.

While this dish is best served immediately after preparation, you can boil the pasta ahead of time and store it separately in the refrigerator with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.

The sauce should be made fresh when you are ready to eat, as it is difficult to maintain the ideal creamy texture if the sauce is prepared and stored long before serving.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish immediately while hot, ideally on warm plates to help maintain the temperature of the creamy sauce.

The rich nature of the parmesan and butter makes it a substantial meal, so consider pairing it with a crisp, acidic side salad featuring a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

For a complete dining experience, offer some toasted crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to help soak up any remaining parmesan cream sauce on the plate.

A simple garnish of freshly cracked black pepper or extra grated parmesan can also be provided at the table for guests to customize their portions according to their personal preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Parmesan Sauce

Prep 10 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 30 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the butter and sear the sliced chicken breast until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated and heated through.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

450 mg

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