Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible creamy garlic chicken pasta that promises to melt hearts and tantalize taste buds.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among silky pasta strands, creating a symphony of rich, velvety flavors.

Each forkful delivers a luxurious blend of garlic-infused goodness that speaks directly to your soul.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making weeknight dinners feel like a gourmet experience.

Fresh herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese elevate this classic comfort meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Fragrant and satisfying, this pasta will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.

Why People Enjoy Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Indulge in a creamy, garlicky chicken pasta that brings together rich, bold flavors in every single bite, making it a crowd-pleasing option for family meals.
• Easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping chicken for other proteins, ensuring a flexible and adaptable meal that never gets boring.
• Create a restaurant-quality dish using simple, everyday ingredients found in most kitchen pantries, saving you time and money without compromising on deliciousness.

What’s Inside Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: A lean and flavorful meat that provides the main protein source for this creamy pasta dish.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps brown the chicken and adds a subtle fruity flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken and provide depth of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Gently stir the chicken to ensure even cooking, aiming for a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Cook until the chicken is completely white inside and develops a light crispy crust, which typically takes 6-8 minutes.

Step 2: Craft the Garlic Magic

• Garlic
• Butter

Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, releasing its rich, aromatic essence.

The butter will help create a smooth, luxurious base for the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously to blend the ingredients, creating a silky, velvety sauce.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, thickening and developing deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

In a separate pot, boil water and cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture.

Toss gently to ensure every pasta strand is coated with the luscious sauce.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the creamy garlic chicken pasta to serving plates.

Offer additional Parmesan cheese for those who want an extra cheesy touch.

Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Tips for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Success

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in moisture.
• Crush fresh garlic cloves instead of using pre-minced to release more robust, authentic garlic notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Select thick, sturdy pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne that can hold the creamy sauce without becoming soggy or falling apart.
• Add pasta water gradually while stirring to adjust sauce thickness, creating a silky, smooth texture that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Layer salt and pepper during different cooking stages – when seasoning chicken, in sauce, and as final garnish – for deeply developed flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve the creamy texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or extra cream to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce's creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.

What Goes Well with Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Perfectly Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the creamy garlic sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, zesty notes that enhance the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Serve alongside Roasted Vegetable Medley: Colorful roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add a vibrant, nutritious side that balances the pasta's creaminess and provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: A light, lemony mixed green salad with fresh basil, parsley, and arugula creates a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, garlicky chicken pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery bread with a hint of garlic perfectly soaks up the extra sauce, offering a crunchy texture that complements the smooth pasta and tender chicken.

Alternate Twists for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to maintain the same flavor profile while keeping the dish celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These vegetable-based options provide a lighter base that reduces carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy garlic chicken sauce intact.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to maintain a rich, savory flavor without dairy ingredients.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Press and cube tofu, then pan-fry until golden to mimic the original chicken's texture and absorb the garlic sauce's flavors.

FAQs

• What makes the garlic flavor stand out in this recipe?

The key is using fresh garlic cloves that are minced finely and sautéed in olive oil, which releases their intense, aromatic oils and creates a rich, deep flavor base for the entire dish.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests a classic pasta like fettuccine or penne, you can easily substitute with linguine, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer that holds sauce well.

• Is this dish suitable for people who don't like very strong garlic taste?

You can adjust the garlic quantity to your preference. Using 2-3 garlic cloves instead of 4-5 will create a milder flavor profile that’s still delicious and aromatic without being overpowering.

• What protein alternatives can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey breast, or even plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh while keeping the same cooking method and seasoning approach.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic chicken pasta delivers a comforting symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Creamy, rich sauce and tender chicken create a simple yet elegant meal home cooks will savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating an ideal searing environment.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the heated skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior.
4. Gently maneuver chicken during cooking, promoting uniform browning and preventing potential burning.
5. Continue cooking for approximately 6-8 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until chicken reaches a perfect white color with no pink remaining.
6. Remove chicken from skillet once crisp exterior and thorough cooking are achieved, setting aside for subsequent recipe steps.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by patting chicken dry before seasoning, ensuring a perfect golden-brown crust and preventing steaming.
• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for extra moisture and richness if you want a more luxurious texture.
• Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness; use a meat thermometer to guarantee internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb option by substituting pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg