Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe: Family-Favorite Comfort Dish

Whipping up a delectable garlic chicken pasta promises pure comfort on any given evening.

Aromatic herbs and rich cream blend seamlessly in this simple yet luxurious dish.

Culinary magic happens when tender chicken meets silky sauce, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Weeknight dinners never tasted so sophisticated without complicated techniques.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal ingredients.

Fresh parmesan and chopped parsley provide the perfect finishing touch to elevate every single bite.

You’ll want to savor each mouthful of this irresistible pasta creation.

Best Ways to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Pour pasta into a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They’re often more flavorful and tender. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

• Is it okay to skip the white wine?

Absolutely. You can substitute with chicken broth or just skip it entirely. The sauce will still be delicious and creamy.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include a dash of cayenne pepper. For extra heat, you could also mix in some hot sauce directly into the sauce.

• What if I want to make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of butter, and choose skinless chicken breasts. You can also add more vegetables like spinach to increase nutritional value.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bursting with Flavor

• Savor Quick and Satisfying Meal: Whip up a restaurant-quality dish in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for busy home cooks craving comfort food.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients like adding spinach, using different proteins, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine creamy sauce, tender chicken, and rich Parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet cooking method that streamlines preparation and reduces dishes, allowing more time to enjoy the delicious meal with loved ones.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein source for the dish.

• Pasta: The base of the recipe that provides a hearty foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a rich base for cooking and add depth to the flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Create an aromatic foundation with their savory and pungent characteristics.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.
• White Wine: Helps deglaze the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the dish's taste.

• Fresh Spinach: Provides a nutritious green element to the pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbaceous garnish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Perfectly

Step 1: Boil Delicious Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside in a large bowl.

Step 2: Sear Golden Chicken

• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Butter

Heat skillet with oil and butter.

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Cook each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Remove from pan and let rest before slicing into tender strips.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

• Onion
• Garlic

Saute chopped onion and minced garlic in the same skillet until soft and wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Splash white wine into skillet, scraping up delicious browned bits from bottom of pan.

Allow liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Build Luxurious Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Red pepper flakes

Pour chicken broth and cream into skillet.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Simmer sauce until it thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Stir Parmesan cheese into sauce until completely melted and silky smooth.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Protein

Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta to skillet.

Toss everything together until perfectly coated with creamy sauce.

Step 8: Final Fresh Touches

• Spinach
• Lemon juice

Add fresh spinach and let it gently wilt.

Squeeze lemon juice for bright, zesty flavor.

Step 9: Plate and Garnish

Serve pasta in beautiful dishes.

Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top for elegant finish.

Pro Tips for Silky and Flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Cut chicken against the grain to ensure tender, juicy pieces that absorb sauce perfectly.
• Toss hot pasta with a small amount of olive oil immediately after draining to keep noodles separated and glossy.
• Deglaze the pan with white wine to capture delicious browned bits, adding rich complexity to the sauce.
• Simmer sauce gently and watch closely, stirring occasionally to achieve the perfect creamy texture without breaking or separating.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color contrast.

Variations to Try with Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap white wine with a splash of ouzo for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, and increase protein by adding extra grilled chicken or shrimp.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this pasta in a large, white ceramic dish garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan shavings for an elegant presentation.
• Comfort Bowl Twist: Create individual servings in rustic ceramic bowls, allowing each person to enjoy the creamy chicken pasta with a personal touch and warm feel.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that matches the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
• Fresh Side Symphony: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta and add a refreshing contrast to the rich main course.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent creamy garlic chicken pasta delivers rich Italian-inspired comfort on a plate. Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly, offering you a satisfying meal that whisks diners straight to culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine, penne, or favorite pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white wine
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water at high heat until perfectly tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Season chicken with robust salt and pepper blend. Sear in hot skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Remove chicken from pan, letting it rest momentarily before slicing into elegant strips.
4. Utilize identical skillet to caramelize onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Deglaze pan with white wine, scraping concentrated flavor bits from bottom, allowing liquid to reduce by half.
6. Introduce chicken broth and heavy cream, creating silky sauce. Incorporate red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Simmer 5-6 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Whisk Parmesan cheese into sauce until completely melted and smooth.
8. Reintroduce sliced chicken and cooked pasta into skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage.
9. Fold fresh spinach into warm mixture, allowing leaves to wilt naturally. Finish with bright lemon juice squeeze for enhanced flavor complexity.
10. Plate pasta, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Always salt pasta water generously to enhance flavor and ensure perfectly seasoned noodles.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
• Customize the dish by adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg