The humble clove of garlic is the undeniable star here, transforming from sharp and pungent to sweet and mellow as it slowly cooks in the pan. Its magic forms the deeply flavorful foundation for our luscious creamy garlic chicken pasta. I can’t tell you how many times this exact recipe has saved my weeknight dinner plans. You know those evenings when you’re staring into the fridge, hoping for inspiration to strike? This is the answer. It’s the kind of cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, yet comes together with the simple, reliable rhythm of a regular kitchen on a regular schedule. This creamy garlic chicken pasta recipe is my go-to for a reason: it delivers restaurant-level comfort with zero fuss, turning basic ingredients into a family favorite that everyone asks for again and again. It’s comfort food, made easy.
Table of Contents
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
A quick and comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken and pasta in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this family favorite transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- Salt for pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6–8 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, toss chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 60-90 seconds until fragrant and golden.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Warm through gently for 2-3 minutes; do not boil.
- Turn off the heat. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan until melted and sauce is smooth. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything until well coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk. Avoid boiling the cream sauce to prevent separation. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. Add spinach or broccoli in the last 2 minutes for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 150
Ingredients List for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Creamy garlic chicken pasta starts with a short list of simple ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand. This is the beauty of a true weeknight savior.
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
- For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces (about 3/4 of a standard box) of your favorite short pasta, like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- Salt, for the pasta water
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6-8 large garlic cloves, minced (don’t be shy!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Smart Swaps: For a gluten-free creamy garlic chicken pasta, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for olive oil, use a full-fat coconut milk instead of cream, and opt for a nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative. You can also add a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the last minute of cooking for extra veggies.
Timing for Your Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
One of the best parts of this recipe is how quickly it comes together, making it a perfect anchor for your list of quick dinner ideas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
That’s right—from start to creamy, garlicky finish in just over half an hour. It’s about 30% faster than many other baked or simmered pasta dishes, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the meal you just made.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof creamy garlic chicken pasta every single time.
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions for al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold will help thin and bind your sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
3. Build the Garlicky Foundation: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for just about 60-90 seconds until it becomes incredibly fragrant. You want it golden and sweet, not browned and bitter. This step is non-negotiable for the best flavor in your creamy garlic chicken pasta.
4. Create the Luscious Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the sauce warm through gently for 2-3 minutes—do not let it boil.
5. Bring It All Together: Turn off the heat. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything until it’s beautifully coated in that creamy, garlicky sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately while it’s hot and wonderfully creamy.
Nutritional Information
A serving of this creamy garlic chicken pasta provides a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Please note, this is an estimate.
- Calories: ~650 per serving (serves 4)
- Protein: 45g (Excellent for muscle repair and keeping you full)
- Carbohydrates: 55g (Provides energy, with the pasta as the main source)
- Fat: 28g (Includes healthy fats from olive oil and satiating fats from dairy)
- Key Nutrients: The garlic offers allicin, a compound with antioxidant properties, while the Parmesan provides a good dose of calcium.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this creamy garlic chicken pasta. Just a few trusty kitchen staples.
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A large, deep skillet or Dutch oven (I prefer a 12-inch skillet)
- A sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- A grater for fresh Parmesan (pre-grated won’t melt as smoothly)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
This dish earns its spot in the regular rotation for so many reasons.
- It’s Unfailingly Delicious: The combination of savory chicken, sweet garlic, and rich Parmesan cream is classic for a reason. It’s pure comfort in a bowl.
- It’s a True Time-Saver: Ready in 35 minutes, it’s the ultimate solution for busy evenings. It’s faster than takeout and tastes infinitely better.
- Incredibly Adaptable: As noted in the ingredients, you can easily adjust it for gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower-carb diets without losing its soul.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully for easy lunch ideas the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
- Family-Approved: This is a meal that both kids and adults devour. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to lighten up this cozy dish? Here are some simple swaps that keep the spirit of the creamy garlic chicken pasta alive.
- For a Lighter Sauce: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even evaporated milk. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still wonderfully creamy.
- Boost the Veggies: Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach or chopped broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking the sauce. You can also use chickpea or lentil pasta for extra protein and fiber.
- Lower-Carb Option: Skip the traditional pasta altogether and serve the creamy garlic chicken over steamed zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying, veggie-packed meal.
- High-Protein Twist: Use Greek yogurt (full-fat, room temperature) stirred in at the very end instead of some of the cream. Be sure to remove the pan from heat first to prevent curdling.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a feast.
- With Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread or a basket of soft dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A simple side salad with a bright, lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a few slices of cucumber.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve it alongside some simple roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for an easy healthy dinner that covers all the bases.
- For Presentation: Serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl garnished with extra parsley and red pepper flakes. A microplane of extra Parmesan over the top just before serving adds a lovely touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few small tips can make the difference between a good pasta and a great one.
- Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic burns in a flash. Cook it just until fragrant and golden, not brown. Burnt garlic will make your entire creamy garlic chicken pasta taste bitter.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: The anti-caking agents in pre-grated cheese can prevent it from melting smoothly into a silky sauce. Taking a minute to grate a block of Parmesan fresh is always worth it.
- Boiling the Cream Sauce: Once you add the cream, keep the heat low. Let it warm through gently. If you let it boil, the sauce can separate or become greasy.
- Skipping the Pasta Water: That starchy water is your secret weapon for a sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle. It helps emulsify the sauce and adjust the consistency without making it watery.
- Crowding the Pan with Chicken: If you add too much chicken at once, it will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed to get those nice, golden-brown pieces that add so much flavor.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This creamy garlic chicken pasta makes fantastic leftovers.
- Refrigerating: Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish, though the dairy-based sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a small splash of milk, cream, or broth to help loosen the sauce as it warms. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds and adding a teaspoon of liquid as needed.
Conclusion
At the end of a long day, there’s something profoundly satisfying about a meal that comes together without stress and delivers on every promise of flavor and comfort. This creamy garlic chicken pasta is exactly that—a reliable, joyful recipe that turns simple ingredients into warm memories. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen to create food that feels like home. I hope this recipe becomes a new weeknight favorite in your home, too.
If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know what your family thought. And don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations.
If you loved the creamy, garlicky flavors here, you might also enjoy my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for a seafood twist, or my hands-off Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken for another effortless comfort food option. For more chicken inspiration, my Lemon Parmesan Asparagus Chicken and Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken are always popular. Happy cooking.
FAQs about Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
What is the best pasta to use for creamy pasta?
For creamy pasta sauces, long shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine work well because they can hold the sauce nicely. Penne or rotini are also good choices as the sauce clings to their ridges.
How do you keep creamy pasta from drying out?
To prevent creamy pasta from drying out, add a little reserved pasta water or extra cream to the sauce before serving. Avoid overcooking the pasta initially, and serve immediately. You can also gently reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or cream.
What can I add to creamy pasta to make it better?
To enhance creamy pasta, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. You can also incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Can you freeze creamy chicken pasta?
Freezing creamy chicken pasta is not ideal, as the sauce can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, use a heavy cream-based sauce and ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a little milk or cream if needed.
How do you thicken creamy garlic sauce?
To thicken creamy garlic sauce, you can simmer it for a few minutes to reduce the liquid, create a slurry of cornstarch or flour with cold water and whisk it in, or add a bit of Parmesan cheese, which acts as a natural thickener.
What goes well with creamy chicken pasta?
Creamy chicken pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or a tomato and mozzarella salad for a refreshing contrast.
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