Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne (Print Version)

Tender chicken in a creamy garlic sauce blends with penne for a rich, satisfying dish perfect for any evening.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 2 cups penne pasta, cooked al dente

→ Protein

02 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Sauce

03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Seasoning

08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for one minute until fragrant, avoiding browning. Add seasoned bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
02 - Reduce heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with chicken juices. Add grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and sauce achieves a velvety texture. Optionally, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes to add subtle heat.
03 - Fold cooked penne pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water incrementally to reach desired consistency. Simmer gently for a few minutes to blend flavors.
04 - Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Optionally, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or basil for brightness. Serve immediately with a side of crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Prevent garlic from burning by cooking it over medium heat, preserving its sweet aroma and avoiding bitterness.
02 - Use freshly grated Parmesan to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
03 - Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
04 - For intensified flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of grape juice after cooking chicken.
05 - Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure juiciness and safety.

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