Description
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Penne is a quick, soul-warming pasta dish with Southern charm and Italian comfort. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights and packed with flavor from garlic, herbs, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta (or whole wheat/gluten-free if preferred)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth (can sub with veggie broth)
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken strips until golden; remove and set aside.
3. Lower heat, add butter and garlic. Sauté just until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Stir in cream, broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan and fresh spinach if using. Stir until cheese melts.
6. Return chicken to the pan. Simmer until chicken is heated through.
7. Add cooked penne, tossing well to coat every inch.
8. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
Notes
Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or mushrooms for a variation.
Add crushed red pepper or gochujang for a spicy twist.
Use pasta water to emulsify and enhance the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: penne pasta, creamy chicken penne, garlic herb pasta, weeknight dinner