Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful Easy Dinner Recipe

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

By Maria Del

August 7, 2025

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There’s something magical about a plate of creamy garlic chicken pasta. Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce that clings to each strand of perfectly cooked pasta. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the dinner table like moths to a flame. This creamy garlic chicken pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests with minimal effort.

I remember the first time I made this dish. My friend casually dropped by unannounced, and I had nothing planned for dinner. In a panic, I opened my fridge to find chicken and pasta staring back at me. Fast forward an hour, and my buddy was raving about this “fancy” dinner while I played it cool, secretly patting myself on the back for my culinary skills. Now, let’s dive into this flavorful easy dinner recipe that’ll have your friends wondering if you’ve been holding out on your secret chef talents.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy garlic chicken pasta is simple to whip up on busy weeknights
The rich flavors meld beautifully for an unforgettable taste experience
Its creamy texture and golden hues make it visually appealing, ensuring it steals the spotlight at any dinner table
Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate whatever veggies you have lying around!

I once prepared this for a family gathering, and everyone declared me the “Pasta Wizard” after the first bite.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work wonders here; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Pasta: Choose your favorite kind—fettuccine or penne are top contenders for capturing that creamy sauce.
Fresh Garlic: Use 4-6 cloves for an aromatic punch; fresh garlic delivers unmatched flavor.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient makes everything dreamy; opt for full-fat cream to achieve that luxurious texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese takes it over the top; no one likes clumpy bagged stuff here!
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil enhances flavor; don’t skimp on quality here.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that are must-haves in any kitchen.
Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley brightens up the dish visually and adds freshness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter so you’re ready to rock! Chop garlic finely and have everything within arm’s reach for smooth sailing.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente—about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining it.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides—about 6-7 minutes per side—then remove them from the pan.

Create That Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, toss in chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant—just 1-2 minutes will do! Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined.

Add Cheese and Season: Mix grated Parmesan into the sauce until it melts smoothly. Season with salt and pepper, then feel free to adjust according to your taste preference!

Toss It All Together: Return cooked pasta to the skillet with sauce and sliced chicken. Toss everything together until well coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired creaminess.

And there you have it! A delectable plate of creamy garlic chicken pasta ready to be devoured! Enjoy with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch.

You Must Know

This creamy garlic chicken pasta is not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl
With rich flavors and simple steps, you’ll want to make it every week
The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve that restaurant-quality taste at home, start by searing the chicken first. While it cooks, boil the pasta and prepare the sauce simultaneously to maximize flavor and minimize wait time.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or add spinach for a pop of color. Experimenting with different cheeses can also give your dish a delightful twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always season your water generously when boiling pasta; this adds flavor right from the start
Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking, and don’t rush the sauce—let it simmer for richer flavor

I once made this creamy garlic chicken pasta for a family dinner, and everyone went back for thirds. My cousin even asked if I was secretly hiding a chef hat under my apron!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber without sacrificing taste.

What cheese works best in this recipe?

Parmesan or mozzarella are great choices for extra creaminess and flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat level!

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