Begin by boiling 8 oz of penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions, typically around 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl, ensuring it's kept warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of chicken strips seasoned with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate.

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add ½ cup of minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch for the garlic to become fragrant but avoid browning it, as burnt garlic will alter the flavor of your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne.

Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits left on the bottom. This adds rich flavor to your dish! Increase the heat slightly and let the broth simmer for about 3–4 minutes, allowing it to reduce a little.

Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it and stir constantly while adding ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, which should take about 2–3 minutes.

Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, tossing them gently in the creamy garlic sauce. Ensure each piece is well-coated and heated through, allowing those flavors to meld together, which will take about 1-2 minutes.

Add the reserved penne pasta to the skillet, and gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up and achieve your desired creaminess.

Finish off your Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. For those who like a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving. Present it warm and watch your family delight in this comforting dish!