Garlic Chicken Penne with Parmesan Alfredo Cheese Sauce is a dish that takes me back to cozy family dinners. I remember bustling in the kitchen, with the smell of garlic wafting through the air as I cooked chicken, which always manages to bring everyone together. This recipe has become a staple in our home, especially on busy weeknights when I need something quick yet satisfying. It’s a creamy, delicious meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. Today, I’m excited to share my step-by-step guide for making this delightful dish, ensuring that you can recreate the magic in your very own kitchen. You may also find Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Cheesy Penne useful.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need
To whip up this satisfying dish, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools: You may also find Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Penne And Cheese useful.
- Large Pot: Perfect for boiling penne pasta until al dente.
- Colander: Ideal for draining your pasta without hassle.
- Large Skillet: A sturdy skillet allows you to cook the chicken and create the creamy sauce in one pan.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure flavor consistency.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These are great for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Chicken Penne with Parmesan Alfredo Cheese Sauce is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor that everyone in the family will love. Here’s why this dish stands out:
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of Velveeta and Parmesan creates a luxurious cheese sauce.
- Quick and Simple: This recipe can be prepared in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that even picky eaters will crave, with tender chicken and cheesy goodness.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite vegetables or spices.
If you’re interested in more creamy pasta ideas, check out this cheddar Parmesan garlic butter chicken with creamy penne as a delightful alternative.
Garlic Chicken Penne with Parmesan Alfredo Cheese Sauce Ingredients
For a delicious serving of Garlic Chicken Penne with Parmesan Alfredo Cheese Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (for topping)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
The chicken is the star of this dish, bringing protein and flavor. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts makes it easy to prepare and ensures a tender bite. The creamy sauce, combining heavy cream, Parmesan, and a touch of Velveeta, gives the penne its deliciously silky texture.
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ALT: Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne with Parmesan Alfredo Cheese Sauce ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This dish is straightforward and can be made in about 35 minutes. Here’s how to do it:
Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until just tender, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly golden and fully cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Create the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine and create a smooth base.
Incorporate the Cheese: Add the Velveeta and cream cheese, stirring until melted and fully blended into the sauce.
Add More Cheese: Mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes thick and smooth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and stir to coat.
Mix in the Penne: Add the cooked penne and gently toss until every piece is covered in the sauce. Let it sit over low heat for a couple of minutes for the flavors to combine.
Finish and Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.
Fun Variations You Can Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some tasty variations you can try with this recipe:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach or broccoli for a nutritious boost.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a bit more red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Different Cheese: Swap out the Velveeta for provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Use Whole Wheat Penne: For a healthier version, opt for whole wheat penne pasta.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Try using bowtie instead of penne for a fun shape – find a perfect recipe here.
How I Love to Serve It
This creamy, comforting dish deserves a beautiful presentation. When I serve Garlic Chicken Penne, I like to plate it in a shallow bowl, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for a pop of color. For sides, I recommend:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect accompaniment for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Fresh greens with a tangy dressing complement the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds a healthy touch and balances the meal.
- Roasted Asparagus: An elegant side that elevates your dinner.
If you’d like a delightful salad recipe to pair with this dish, check out this light option here.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
Cooking this dish is simple, but here are some tips I’ve learned along the way that might help:
- Do Not Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking it. A golden-brown color indicates it’s done.
- Cheese at Room Temperature: Bringing the cream cheese to room temperature helps it blend more easily into the sauce.
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a bit of additional chicken broth or milk.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and mix them with the pasta right before serving.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary—for me, this tip has been invaluable after years of cooking.
Important Cooking Reminders
When making this dish, keep these important cooking reminders in mind:
- Cook Chicken to Safe Temperature: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer Storage: You can freeze leftovers for 2-3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk.
- Reheating Method: Warm gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
For safe cooking guidelines, refer to the external link: USDA safe minimum cooking temperatures, fsis.usda.gov.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Per serving of Garlic Chicken Penne with Parmesan Alfredo Cheese Sauce, you can expect roughly 540 calories. This creamy dish is rich and satisfying without compromising on flavor.
- Calories: Approximately 540
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fats: 28g
- Protein: 30g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
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ALT: A creamy plate of Garlic Chicken Penne topped with fresh parsley ready to be enjoyed.
Common Questions You Might Have
If you have additional questions about this recipe, here are some common queries:
How should I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Additionally, using gluten-free penne will make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead of time. Just combine with the penne and heat it through when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Penne with Parmesan Alfredo Cheese Sauce is a comforting recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and pasta, creates a delicious meal that satisfies the whole family. I can still recall the first time I made this for my loved ones, and it quickly became a favorite – perfect for either a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This one’s been in my dinner rotation for years, and I’m confident it will find its way into yours too. Why not give it a try?
For more delightful recipes, you might enjoy the Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe from Allrecipes, a comforting dish similar to this one. You could also explore a new take on pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta or experiment with a different flavor profile using the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe from Midwest Foodie. These will surely inspire your next culinary adventure!
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Garlic Chicken Penne with Parmesan Alfredo Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy and satisfying pasta dish with tender chicken and a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (for topping)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until just tender, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly golden and fully cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Create the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine and create a smooth base.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Add the Velveeta and cream cheese, stirring until melted and fully blended into the sauce.
- Add More Cheese: Mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes thick and smooth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and stir to coat.
- Mix in the Penne: Add the cooked penne and gently toss until every piece is covered in the sauce. Let it sit over low heat for a couple of minutes for the flavors to combine.
- Finish and Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat penne or adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: garlic chicken, penne pasta, alfredo sauce, family dinner, creamy pasta