Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Imagine twirling your fork through silky strands of pasta coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce, catching tender bites of juicy chicken with each mouthful. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen. The aromatic blend of sautéed garlic and Italian herbs creates a mouthwatering fragrance that will have everyone gathering around your table. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced sauce that clings to every bite of pasta and chicken for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it delivers incredible flavor depth using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. The luxurious texture of the cream sauce creates a beautiful contrast with the tender chicken and al dente pasta, providing a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite.

What makes this dish truly special is the balance of flavors – the pungent garlic mellows as it cooks, infusing the sauce with a sweet, nutty quality that complements the savory chicken perfectly. The fresh herbs add brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream.

Best of all, this impressive dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s versatile enough to please picky eaters while still exciting more adventurous palates.

Ingredients

For this delectable Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6-8 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons) – fresh garlic provides the best flavor
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream – this creates the silky, rich texture
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

The quality of your Parmesan matters here – try to use freshly grated rather than pre-packaged varieties for the smoothest sauce and best flavor.

Pro Tips

Properly Cook Your Pasta: For the perfect garlic chicken pasta with parmesan, cook your pasta just until al dente – typically 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce. Reserve at least ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this magical ingredient helps the sauce cling to the pasta and adjust consistency if needed.

Master the Garlic Cooking Technique: Garlic is the star of this creamy garlic pasta dish. To extract maximum flavor without bitterness, cook the minced garlic over medium heat just until fragrant and golden (about 30-60 seconds). Watch carefully – garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. If it starts to brown too fast, immediately lower the heat or temporarily remove the pan from the stove.

Perfect Your Sauce Consistency: For a foolproof cream sauce, use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling when added to the hot pan. Add the cream gradually while stirring constantly. For the silkiest texture, remove the pan from heat before adding the Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until melted. If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually add small amounts of reserved pasta water until reaching your desired consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – that starch helps the sauce adhere beautifully to every strand.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding (work in batches if needed). Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Base
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’s the hallmark of creamy garlic chicken pasta.

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (don’t let it boil) and cook for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring each strand is coated in the velvety sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta to a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Transform your Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta into a more nutritious meal by adding vegetables. Sauté 2 cups of baby spinach until wilted or add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms in the final minutes of cooking. The vegetables add beautiful color, texture, and nutrients while complementing the creamy garlic sauce perfectly.

Seafood Twist: For an elegant variation, substitute the chicken with 1 pound of large shrimp or a combination of shrimp and scallops. Cook the seafood for just 1-2 minutes per side until opaque before removing from the pan. This garlic pasta with seafood creates a luxurious dish perfect for special occasions or date nights at home.

Dairy-Free Alternative: Create a dairy-free version by replacing the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The coconut milk provides a similar richness while the nutritional yeast adds the umami flavor typically provided by the cheese. This variation maintains the creamy texture and satisfying flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions: Allow leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.

Freezing Note: While possible to freeze, cream-based pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions: Pair your garlic chicken pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up extra sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus or broccolini. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors beautifully for an elevated dining experience.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the richest texture for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. Regular milk isn’t recommended as it may result in a thinner sauce. If using milk, make a roux with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of butter before adding the milk to help thicken the sauce.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
To prevent curdling, avoid boiling the cream sauce after adding the dairy. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, and if possible, bring the cream to room temperature before adding it to the hot pan. Stir continuously when incorporating the cream and cheese.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is best served immediately after cooking when the sauce is at its creamiest. If needed, you can prepare the components separately (cook the chicken and make the sauce) up to a day ahead, then reheat the sauce, add freshly cooked pasta, and the pre-cooked chicken just before serving.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Long pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work wonderfully with cream sauces, as they provide maximum surface area for the sauce to cling to. However, short pastas like penne or farfalle also work well and can be easier to eat.

Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! For additional depth of flavor, add ¼ cup of dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) after cooking the garlic and before adding the broth. Allow the wine to reduce by half before proceeding with the recipe.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic-infused sauce that wraps everything in creamy goodness. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this pasta delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, proving that simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can create truly memorable meals.

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