Tender penne with roasted chicken in a silky, aromatic garlic cream sauce. Rich, satisfying Italian-American comfort in 50 minutes.
# 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 - 1 2/3 cups whole milk
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - Slice the top off the garlic head to expose cloves. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
03 - Place wrapped garlic on baking sheet. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, place on same sheet. Roast garlic for 30 minutes until soft and golden. Roast chicken alongside for 22 to 25 minutes until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
04 - Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in colander and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Set aside.
05 - Squeeze softened garlic cloves from their papery skins into a small bowl. Mash with fork until smooth paste forms.
06 - In large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously until sauce thickens, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
07 - Stir mashed roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into cream sauce. Cook for 1 minute until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth.
08 - Add sliced chicken and cooked penne to the sauce. Toss gently to coat all pasta and chicken pieces evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
09 - Transfer to serving bowls or platter. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
