Roasted Garlic Chicken Penne (Printable)

Tender penne with roasted chicken in silky garlic cream sauce. Rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying Italian-American comfort food.

# Ingredient list:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz)

→ Pasta

02 - 12 oz penne pasta

→ Roasted Garlic

03 - 1 large head garlic
04 - 1 teaspoon olive oil

→ Cream Sauce

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 1⅔ cups whole milk
08 - ½ cup heavy cream
09 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving

# How-to:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
03 - Place wrapped garlic in oven and roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden brown.
04 - Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and position alongside garlic. Roast for 22 to 25 minutes until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
05 - Remove chicken from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly and set aside.
06 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain through colander, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
07 - Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from their skins and mash to a smooth paste using the back of a fork.
08 - In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
09 - Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
10 - Stir in mashed roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook until cheese is completely melted and sauce reaches a smooth consistency.
11 - Add sliced chicken and cooked penne to the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat all ingredients, adding reserved pasta water incrementally to achieve desired sauce consistency.
12 - Transfer to serving bowls or plates immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted garlic creates a depth of flavor you cannot achieve any other way
  • Everything cooks in the oven while you relax with a glass of wine
  • The sauce clings to every curve of penne and each slice of chicken
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps all those juices inside instead of on your cutting board
  • The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency later
  • Roast extra garlic heads when you have the oven on and store them in the fridge for quick meals
03 -
  • Roast two heads of garlic instead of one and use the extra spread on toast the next morning
  • Bring all your dairy ingredients to room temperature before starting for smoother incorporation
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