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Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in 30 Minutes

Enjoy this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce that's ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Penne pasta Substitute with rigatoni or fusilli for variety.
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Boneless chicken breast/thighs Can swap for rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Any cooking oil can work.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter Can substitute margarine for a dairy-free version.
  • 7 Garlic Minced; adjust based on preference for garlic intensity.
  • Salt Essential seasoning; use garlic powder or Italian seasoning as alternatives.
  • Pepper Essential seasoning; use garlic powder or Italian seasoning as alternatives.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Can replace with dried basil or oregano.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 4 oz Cream cheese Softened; mascarpone is a good alternative.
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese Freshly grated is recommended.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano is a viable substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Reserved pasta water Used to adjust sauce thickness while maintaining flavor.
For Garnish
  • Fresh parsley Chopped; chives can be used as a substitute.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the remaining liquid and keep the penne warm in the pot.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter, letting them melt together. Season the boneless chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for 4-5 minutes, or until it's golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely, followed by the 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the garlic butter mixture. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
  5. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until both cheeses are fully melted. Adjust the flavor with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the sauce remains warm but does not boil.
  6. Return the sautéed chicken and cooked penne to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the rich sauce. If needed, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  7. Once combined, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the Garlic Butter Chicken Penne to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. When reheating, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

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