Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy garlic chicken pasta is a weeknight hero. It comes together quickly, requires simple pantry staples, and hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, garlicky, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or serving guests, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable and pairs well with your favorite vegetables or a side salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
Fettuccine or your preferred pasta
-
Garlic cloves, minced
-
Heavy cream
-
Parmesan cheese, grated
-
Chicken broth
-
Olive oil
-
Butter
-
Salt
-
Black pepper
-
Italian seasoning
-
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
-
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
-
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
-
Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
-
Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
-
Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
-
Swap the pasta: Use penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if preferred.
-
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
-
Use chicken thighs: For a richer flavor, substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs.
-
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can skip the searing step and add shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the sauce for a quicker version.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine is classic, but penne, linguine, or spaghetti also work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen and reheated.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For a better substitute, try using half-and-half or add a little cream cheese for richness.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it scales well—just use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the ingredients.
How do I avoid the sauce from curdling?
Avoid boiling the sauce at high heat. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir frequently.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and chicken ahead, but cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—easy to make, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to become a favorite at your dinner table. With its luscious sauce, tender chicken, and pasta perfection, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone back for seconds. Try it once, and it just might earn a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breast, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly, ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- Make it lighter by using half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently to retain the sauce’s consistency.
- Not recommended for freezing due to cream-based sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
