Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Prepare to indulge in comfort food heaven with this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta that delivers tender chicken, velvety sauce, and just the right punch of garlic in every twirl. This recipe shines with rich, luxurious flavors while staying simple enough to pull off on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or impressing your dinner guests, it’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that’ll quickly rank as a family favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

A handful of pantry and fridge staples is all it takes to create something show-stopping! Each ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta brings its own magic to the dish, resulting in a balance of flavors, textures, and aromas you can’t resist.

• Fettuccine or Penne Pasta (12 oz): Both shapes capture the sauce beautifully; choose your favorite for the perfect bite every time.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and ensures the chicken gets a gorgeous golden sear.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb, cut into strips): Lean, juicy, and quick-cooking, chicken breast soaks up the creamy sauce.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors right from the start—seasoning is key!
• Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and contrast.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Nothing beats the savory aroma and bold flavor from fresh garlic here.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Lends richness and helps sauté that garlic into golden, fragrant perfection.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Key for that lush, silky sauce that makes this dinner so dreamy.
• Whole Milk (1 cup): Balances the cream while adding a touch of lightness.
• Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and melty—real Parmesan takes the sauce up a notch.
• Italian Seasoning (½ teaspoon): Infuses herbaceous notes reminiscent of restaurant pasta.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): A pinch brings a hint of heat for those who love a little kick.
• Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Fresh parsley brightens the final dish and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin with a big pot of boiling, salted water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. You want it just al dente—firm to the bite—so it holds up nicely in the sauce. Once cooked, drain and set it aside. Pro tip: Save a splash of the pasta water; it works wonders if you need to loosen your sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken strips with salt and black pepper, then lay them in the hot oil. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re golden and completely cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it close—you’ll soon reunite it with the creamy garlic sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and toss the butter into the same skillet. Once it melts, add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle and turn fragrant for 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t rush this step—the garlic is the heart and soul of Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, so let it bloom!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream, milk, and tumble in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you love a little spice. Stir continuously, scraping up any crispy bits left from the chicken. Let it come to a gentle simmer, and watch as the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth in about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now, slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are cloaked in that creamy, garlicky goodness. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors meld together. Finally, sprinkle over chopped parsley for a fresh finish and serve it piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A finishing touch of fresh parsley really brightens up each plate and adds a hint of herby freshness. For extra flavor and flair, shave or grate a bit more Parmesan on top right before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of lemon zest or toasted pine nuts makes a fun twist!

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is rich and satisfying, so it pairs beautifully with simple side salads dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or lemony roasted vegetables. And of course, what’s pasta night without slices of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce?

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly restaurant-worthy experience, try serving individual portions in pasta bowls, twirled into neat nests with extra chicken pieces layered on top. If serving family-style, present the pasta in a big, shallow platter with a generous garnish—don’t be afraid to let those vibrant greens and creamy sauce shine! For date night, light a candle, pour a glass of white wine, and let this dish steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and become even more delicious, making lunch the next day a real treat!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions, allow the pasta to cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. The sauce may thicken slightly after freezing, but it will remain tasty for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that lovely creaminess, reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce needs loosening. Stir often and heat just until warmed through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, but stovetop is best for texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and add extra flavor to the creamy garlic chicken pasta. Just ensure they’re cut into strips and cooked thoroughly before continuing with the recipe.

What type Main Course

Fettuccine and penne are both fantastic for clinging onto the creamy sauce, but you can use any pasta you love—try rigatoni or spaghetti for a new twist on creamy garlic chicken pasta!

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

If you’re craving even richer sauce, add a little more heavy cream or Parmesan, or toss in a splash of reserved pasta water for silkiness without making it too thick. This ensures the pasta gets perfectly coated without becoming heavy.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or steamed broccoli fold in seamlessly for more color and nutrition, making your creamy garlic chicken pasta even more of a complete meal.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice is totally up to you—red pepper flakes are optional. If you love a gentle heat, add the full amount or more; if not, simply leave them out for a kid-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta a spot on your dinner table—few recipes deliver so much comfort, so quickly, with such a celebration of flavors. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet decadent enough for special occasions. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this guaranteed classic!

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