Garlic Butter Chicken Penne
A comforting dish of tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce infused with garlic butter, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking the chicken
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter for the sauce
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through; remove from the pan and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Combining
- Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
To enhance flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Customize by including vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.