Chicken Penne With Alfredo Sauce Recipe: Creamy Pasta with Garlic Depth

This recipe delivers creamy pasta perfection with tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce. The garlic depth elevates every bite.

Simple ingredients come together for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Chicken Penne with Alfredo Sauce

Penne, chicken, and rich alfredo sauce create restaurant-quality creamy perfection at home.

The Parmesan quality is non-negotiable for authentic flavor. Parmigiano-Reggiano from Whole Foods or a specialty cheese shop yields superior results compared to pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. The chicken breasts should be uniform in size—Costco offers consistent quality for bulk purchases. Select heavy cream with at least 36% fat content for the proper sauce consistency.

No heavy cream? Half-and-half with a cornstarch slurry works as a substitute, though the sauce will be less rich. Fresh nutmeg is ideal, but ground nutmeg at half the amount is acceptable. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne and replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch. The garlic can be adjusted to taste—4 cloves minimum for noticeable depth.

The alfredo sauce thickens as it cools. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For longer storage, freeze the sauce separately for up to 1 month.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Penne With Alfredo Sauce

Master the technique for silky sauce and perfectly cooked components with this method.

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta Al Dente

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tsp salt. Add the 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Start testing for doneness 1 minute before the recommended time. The pasta should have a slight resistance when bitten but no hard center. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining completely. This starchy liquid will help emulsify your sauce later.

Step 2: Sear and Cook the Chicken Breasts

While the pasta cooks, cut the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp ground black pepper.

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Alfredo Sauce Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 0.5 cup unsalted butter. Once melted, add the 6 cloves minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Sprinkle the 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the butter mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a smooth roux that will thicken your sauce. Slowly pour in the 2 cups heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine All Elements

Add ½ cup chicken broth, 1.5 cups parmesan cheese, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp nutmeg to the sauce. Stir until the parmesan melts completely, about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.

Add the drained penne and cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy dish.

Serve immediately while hot. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, so if you need to hold it, add a splash of warm chicken broth or pasta water to maintain the creamy texture. Each serving should have a generous coating of sauce with visible flecks of garlic and parmesan.

Serving Suggestions for This Dish

Garnish for Impact

Always finish with ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous contrast. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan adds depth, while cracked black pepper enhances the garlic notes. 💫

Plating Techniques

Use shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce. Twirl the penne with a fork before plating for a professional look. I place chicken pieces on top so they don’t disappear into the pasta.

Side Dish Pairings

A simple garlic bread soaks up extra sauce beautifully. For freshness, serve with a mixed greens salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted broccoli adds a nice textural contrast.

Beverage Recommendations

An Italian Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness with its crisp acidity. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon refreshes the palate. I love pairing this with iced tea for a casual meal. 🍷

Family-Style Serving

For gatherings, serve from a large platter and let guests help themselves. Keep extra grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side. This dish stays warm for 10-15 minutes if covered.

Frequently Asked Questions