Save to Pinterest Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Roasted Garlic Chicken Penne. This dish combines tender penne pasta and juicy roasted chicken, all brought together by a silky, oven-roasted garlic cream sauce. The slow-roasting process transforms sharp garlic into a mellow, sweet, and aromatic base that makes this meal deeply satisfying and rich in flavor.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a special weeknight meal, this Italian-American classic delivers. The key is the patience required to roast the garlic and chicken to perfection, ensuring every component is packed with flavor before they meet in the skillet.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g)
- 340 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- 1 large head garlic
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) whole milk
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 60 g (2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2: Roast the Garlic
- Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Roast for 30 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and roast alongside the garlic for 22–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Step 4: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining in a colander, reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Step 5: Mash the Garlic
- Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and mash them into a smooth paste.
- Step 6: Make the Roux
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Step 7: Create the Cream Sauce
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly for about 3–4 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the mashed roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted.
- Step 8: Combine and Toss
- Add the sliced chicken and cooked penne to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat everything in the sauce, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Serve the dish immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a smooth sauce, add the milk and cream very slowly at the beginning while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming in the flour mixture. Using a whisk is essential for achieving that silky restaurant texture. Additionally, let the roasted garlic cool slightly before squeezing so you don't burn your fingers.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an extra boost of flavor and nutrients, you can sauté 100 g of sliced mushrooms or a handful of fresh spinach directly into the sauce. If you have dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily adapted by substituting gluten-free pasta and using a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and creamy pasta pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay, which cuts through the density of the cream sauce. Serve it with a side of toasted garlic bread or a simple arugula salad for a complete meal.
Save to Pinterest With its deep garlic notes and luxurious finish, this Roasted Garlic Chicken Penne is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the process of creating a gourmet meal from scratch right in your own kitchen.
Questions & Answers About This Recipe
- → How do you ensure the roasted chicken stays tender?
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before roasting. Roast at 200°C for 22-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the meat. Slicing thinly also helps maintain tenderness when tossing with the sauce.
- → Can you prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time?
Yes, roasted garlic can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. After roasting and cooling, squeeze the cloves from their skins and store the mashed garlic paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the dish much quicker on the day of serving.
- → What's the best way to achieve a smooth cream sauce?
Melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Add the roasted garlic paste and Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely smooth and melted.
- → How do you adjust the sauce consistency if it's too thick?
Reserve pasta water during cooking and gradually add it to the sauce while tossing with the penne. Start with small amounts and stir well to achieve the desired consistency. The starch in pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta while thinning it naturally.
- → What are good substitutions for dietary restrictions?
For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a thickener instead of all-purpose flour. For dairy-free options, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. Vegetarians can replace chicken with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- → What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay pairs excellently with the creamy garlic sauce and roasted chicken. The acidity in white wine cuts through the richness of the cream sauce while complementing the savory garlic flavors and tender pasta.