Chicken Alfredo Penne with Garlic Cream and Herbs

Chicken Alfredo Penne with Garlic Cream and Herbs is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying. This classic Italian-American pasta dish combines tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a luxuriously rich garlic cream sauce infused with herbs and Parmesan cheese.

It’s the kind of meal that instantly feels comforting yet elegant — perfect for both a cozy family dinner and an impressive date-night meal. The sauce is buttery and velvety, clinging beautifully to the penne, while the juicy chicken adds a hearty touch that balances the creaminess.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect harmony of simplicity and indulgence. It doesn’t need fancy ingredients — just basic kitchen staples like garlic, cream, butter, and herbs — yet it tastes like something from a fine Italian restaurant.

The garlic cream sauce is the true hero: smooth, aromatic, and deeply flavorful. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and the addition of herbs gives it that fresh, fragrant finish that makes it impossible to stop eating. It’s a dish that brings both comfort and sophistication to the table.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Chicken Alfredo Penne is a must-try because it’s timeless, versatile, and crowd-pleasing. It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves — from kids to adults. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the firm texture of penne, ensuring that every bite is coated in silky, garlicky goodness.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, it’s easy to customize — add vegetables, swap proteins, or spice it up to your taste.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~620 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 300 g (10 oz) penne pasta
• Salt, for pasta water

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté seasoned chicken until golden brown.
3. Prepare creamy garlic Alfredo sauce.
4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce.
5. Garnish with herbs and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until melted and smooth.
5. Stir in dried basil, oregano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked penne and toss until everything is evenly coated.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer to serving plates or a large bowl.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne warm in large pasta bowls. It pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A crisp Caesar salad or arugula salad
• A glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

For a cozy family dinner, serve it directly from the pan for that rustic Italian charm.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente pasta holds the sauce better.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, non-grainy sauce.
• Cook the garlic gently — it burns quickly and can make the sauce bitter.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream.

Variations

• Broccoli Chicken Alfredo: Add steamed broccoli florets for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Mushroom Alfredo: Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
• Shrimp Alfredo: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Spinach Alfredo: Stir in a handful of baby spinach just before serving.
• Lighter Version: Use milk and a bit of flour instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie option.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month, though sauce texture may change slightly.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Whisk for sauce

FAQ

Q1: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes! Use whole milk with 1 tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce.

Q2: Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely — fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work beautifully.

Q3: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Add the Parmesan gradually and avoid boiling once the cheese is added.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then toss with pasta before serving.

Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free penne and ensure your Parmesan is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Penne with Garlic Cream and Herbs is the definition of cozy indulgence — creamy, garlicky, and irresistibly rich. The silky Alfredo sauce hugs each piece of pasta, while the tender, flavorful chicken and fresh herbs make every bite satisfying.

This is the kind of dish that brings smiles to the table — a true classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re craving something hearty on a weeknight or looking to wow guests at dinner, this creamy pasta is always the right choice.