Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Creamy garlic chicken pasta is a rich, indulgent dish that pairs tender, juicy chicken with al dente pasta coated in a luxurious garlic cream sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the comforting flavors of creamy garlic sauce with hearty pasta.
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for a dish that feels elegant.
  • Versatile—customize it with your favorite pasta shapes or add veggies for extra nutrition.
  • Cooks in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
  • Leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless)
  • Fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • Chicken broth
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
  2. Cook the Pasta:
    • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Everything:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  5. Serve:
    • Slice the chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
  • Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic cream sauce.
  • Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different twist.
  • Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.
  • Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze cream-based pasta dishes, as the sauce may lose its texture when thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely, chicken thighs add extra juiciness to the dish.

2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Fettuccine is a classic choice, but penne, linguine, or spaghetti work just as well.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken it, mix in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

4. How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Avoid overcooking the chicken—use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.

6. What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Broccoli, asparagus, or peas make excellent additions to balance the richness.

7. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for its superior flavor and texture.

8. How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Cook the sauce over low heat and avoid boiling once the cream and cheese are added.

9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the creamy garlic flavor is mild and appealing to most kids.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the components (chicken, pasta, and sauce) separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, savory flavors with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

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  • Author: Mariem
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Savor this rich and creamy chicken alfredo pasta recipe, featuring tender fettuccine coated in a luxurious garlic parmesan sauce, topped with juicy pan-seared chicken. Perfect for a quick and indulgent dinner!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 300g fettuccine
  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove, rest for 5 minutes, and slice.
  2. Cook the Pasta:
    • Boil fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  4. Combine and Serve:
    • Toss cooked fettuccine in the sauce until coated. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine while cooking the sauce.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best results.

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