Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra flavor to the sauce, consider deglazing the skillet with a splash of white wine after removing the chicken but before adding the butter. This lifts the flavorful browned bits from the pan.

Allow the wine to reduce by half before proceeding with the butter and garlic to ensure the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a complex, slightly acidic backbone that balances the richness of the cream cheese.

If you prefer a bolder flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This provides a subtle warmth that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce.

Additionally, incorporating freshly grated parmesan cheese at the very end, just before serving, adds a nutty saltiness that complements the garlic beautifully. Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust with a pinch of salt and black pepper as needed.

Variations

• Spinach Garlic Chicken Penne: Stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach during the final step of combining the pasta and sauce. The heat from the pasta will wilt the spinach, adding a vibrant color and fresh flavor without requiring extra cooking time.
• Mushroom Garlic Chicken Penne: Add eight ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet after searing the chicken. Sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown before adding the butter and garlic to build a deeper, earthier flavor profile for the sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese sauce may separate and lose its smooth texture upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely, but do not leave them at room temperature for longer than two hours. Once cooled, transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or milk to the skillet to help loosen the sauce, as the pasta will likely absorb some of the liquid during storage.

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the chicken and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, quickly sauté the chicken, prepare the sauce in the skillet, and then toss everything together with the pre-cooked pasta. This method saves significant time on busy evenings while ensuring the dish tastes fresh and maintains its creamy, luxurious texture.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy garlic chicken penne in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the texture of the sauce and the tender chicken. A side of crusty garlic bread or a simple crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a wonderful textural contrast to the richness of the pasta.

The bright acidity of the salad helps cleanse the palate between bites, making the meal feel balanced and satisfying for everyone at the table.

For an elegant presentation, garnish each serving with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper. If desired, serve with a side of freshly grated parmesan cheese so guests can customize the intensity of the savory notes. This simple, comforting dish is best enjoyed while hot, as the sauce is at its most velvety and smooth the moment it leaves the skillet.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 30 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 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 package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the cream cheese and whisk or stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
3. Add the cooked penne and the seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy garlic mixture. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately while steaming hot.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

32.5 g

Carbohydrates

58 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

450 mg

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