Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Penne
If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that feels both indulgent and approachable, look no further than Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Penne. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious roasted garlic cream sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of penne. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that also shines impressively when entertaining guests. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with rich taste and satisfying textures. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe promises to become a fast favorite in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease, making it irresistible to return to time and again. The star ingredient—roasted garlic—transforms the sauce into something truly special, mellowing out sharpness and adding a subtle sweetness that elevates the entire pasta. The chicken is juicy and seasoned just right, while the penne pasta provides the perfect bite-sized canvas for soaking up the creamy sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—swap in your favorite herbs or add vegetables to customize it exactly how you like. The recipe also comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings when you crave a homemade meal without fuss.
Ingredient List
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment & Tools
- Large pot – for boiling pasta
- Baking sheet – to roast the garlic
- Large skillet or sauté pan – for cooking chicken and sauce
- Knife and cutting board – for dicing chicken and chopping parsley
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient amounts
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce and pasta
Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Penne Cooking Guide
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Place it on a baking sheet and roast for about 30-35 minutes, until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Once done, allow it to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out into a bowl and mash them into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Cook the Penne
While the garlic roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in the mashed roasted garlic paste, and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine. Add the drained penne pasta and toss gently to coat every piece with the creamy roasted garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of this delightful Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Penne.
Nutrition-Minded Tweaks
- Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk to lighten the dairy content without sacrificing creaminess.
- Use whole wheat or chickpea penne for added fiber and protein.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients and vibrant color.
- Reduce olive oil slightly or use a non-stick pan to minimize added fats.
- Consider using reduced-fat Parmesan cheese for a lighter sauce.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
- Sauce too thick: Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches the ideal consistency.
- Chicken dry or tough: Avoid overcooking by cutting chicken into even pieces and cooking just until no longer pink.
- Garlic flavor too mild: Ensure the garlic is well roasted to bring out its sweetness and depth; under-roasted garlic can taste sharp.
- Pasta clumping: Toss pasta with a little olive oil after draining to prevent sticking before combining with sauce.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
You can prepare the roasted garlic and cook the chicken up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and quickly reheat the sauce and chicken together on the stove. Combine everything just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Your Top Questions
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly because of its shape and texture, other pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will also hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The roasted garlic will still deliver plenty of flavor.
How do I store leftovers properly?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus make great additions. Sauté or steam them and add during the final step when combining the pasta and sauce.
What to Make After This
- Try the rich and cheesy Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne for a baked pasta variation.
- For a vibrant twist, whip up the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Penne.
- If you love creamy pasta with a veggie boost, check out the Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Alfredo Ziti.
The Last Word
Few dishes combine ease, comfort, and gourmet appeal quite like Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Penne. The luscious roasted garlic cream sauce and tender chicken create a harmony of flavors that’s both soothing and exciting. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into a memorable meal with just a little care and technique. Whether for a quiet dinner or a lively gathering, it’s a dish that satisfies every time. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new go-to pasta recipe.
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Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until cloves are soft and caramelized. Cool slightly, then squeeze cloves out into a bowl and mash into a smooth paste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water to adjust sauce if needed.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low in the same skillet and pour in 1 cup heavy cream. Stir in mashed roasted garlic paste and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce thickens and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return cooked chicken to skillet with sauce and stir to combine. Add drained penne pasta and toss gently to coat with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Use whole wheat or chickpea penne to increase fiber and protein content.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently with added milk or broth to loosen sauce.
