Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Culinary magic happens when a creamy garlic chicken pasta weaves its delectable spell in your kitchen.

Whispers of aromatic herbs dance through the air, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft pasta strands cradle tender chicken pieces bathed in a luxurious sauce.

Each bite carries the rich complexity of roasted garlic and smooth cream.

Comfort meets sophistication in this simple yet elegant dish that speaks directly to your soul.

Home cooking transforms into a gourmet experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

This recipe will make you the star of any dinner gathering.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta That’s Fast And Flavorful

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this creamy garlic chicken pasta in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fest: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like chicken, pasta, and a mild creamy sauce, this recipe satisfies both picky eaters and adults looking for a comforting dinner option.
• Restaurant-Quality Magic at Home: Create a restaurant-style dish with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills, transforming basic pantry staples into a gourmet-tasting meal that impresses everyone at the table.
• Versatile Meal Mastermind: Easily customize the recipe by swapping spinach for other vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra protein to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

The Items That Go Into Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce with its natural texture.

• Dry Pasta (Fettuccine, Penne, or Spaghetti): Serves as the base for the creamy chicken dish, allows flexibility in pasta shape preference.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Creates a complex, aromatic flavor profile that enhances the chicken's taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and elevate all other ingredients.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich cooking medium and helps develop deep flavors in the dish.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh aromatic that intensifies the overall garlic flavor beyond the powder.

• Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, smooth base for the pasta sauce.
• Tomatoes: Adds fresh, slightly acidic brightness to the creamy sauce.
• Spinach: Optional green vegetable that introduces additional nutrition and color to the dish.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Prep

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package directions.

Once it’s ready, drain the water and set the pasta aside, letting it wait for its creamy destiny.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the seasoned chicken into the sizzling pan and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

This should take about 6-8 minutes on each side.

Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest.

Step 4: Create Garlic Magic

In the same skillet, drop in some butter and minced garlic.

Let them dance together until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma, which should take about a minute.

Step 5: Add Tomato Goodness

Toss in the diced tomatoes and let them simmer and soften for 2-3 minutes, releasing their juicy flavors.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts and becomes tender, which takes around 2 minutes.

Step 7: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 8: Combine All Ingredients

Slice the cooked chicken into beautiful strips and return them to the skillet.

Add the reserved pasta and toss everything together, ensuring each piece is coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Final Seasoning

Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta immediately, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Bon appétit!

Handy Advice for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Cut chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite is perfectly tender and juicy.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that keeps the sauce creamy.
• Toast minced garlic briefly to enhance its nutty, rich flavor before adding other ingredients, preventing bitter undertones and creating a more complex taste profile.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining, which helps loosen the sauce and adds a silky texture when mixed with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Replace chicken with pan-seared tofu or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the dish's delicious, creamy essence.

Store Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta For The Perfect Next Meal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and chicken fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep sauce and pasta separately to prevent soggy noodles and maintain better texture when reheating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze sauce and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Partner Plates for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, garlicky sauce and cut through its richness.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Crostini: Toast thin slices of baguette with garlic butter and parmesan to provide a crunchy texture contrast to the smooth pasta.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the pasta's creamy profile.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to add nutritional depth and vegetal freshness alongside the chicken pasta.

Garlic Chicken Pasta Spins

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the rich, garlicky flavor.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, seasoned with same spices for a protein-packed meat-free meal.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables, ensuring all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

FAQs

• What makes this chicken pasta recipe unique?

This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh ingredients for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home with simple pantry staples.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work perfectly. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and matches your preference.

• Is it possible to make this dish healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use Greek yogurt, or add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

• How can I ensure my chicken stays juicy?

Season the chicken well, cook it on medium-high heat, and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F internally for perfect doneness.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic lovers unite for this irresistible Garlic Chicken Pasta, a delightful Italian-inspired comfort dish packed with rich, velvety flavors. Smooth cream sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta combine to create a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (453 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) dry pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup (150 grams) tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups (60 grams) spinach, chopped (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring an al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Generously coat chicken breast with a blend of aromatic spices including garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place seasoned chicken and sear until a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches safe cooking point, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
4. Utilize the same skillet and melt butter, then introduce finely chopped garlic. Sauté until fragrant and releasing its intense aroma.
5. Gently incorporate diced tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their natural juices for 2-3 minutes.
6. Introduce fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and integrate seamlessly with the developing sauce.
7. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently until completely melted and creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.
8. Slice the perfectly cooked chicken into elegant medallions and reintroduce to the skillet. Add reserved pasta and thoroughly coat with the creamy sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously dressed.
9. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
10. Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for enhanced richness.

Notes

• Customize protein choices by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Reduce cream calories by substituting half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
• Toast minced garlic briefly to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent burning, creating a more complex and aromatic sauce profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 748
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 169 mg