Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite); ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce); Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish – optional)

Posted on May 26, 2025

Dinner

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If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is your next must-make dinner! Tender chicken bites, smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta—what’s not to love? It’s a weeknight win that’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for busy evenings. With a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that feels indulgent without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes: it’s quick, cozy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or cooking for two, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The creamy garlic sauce is dreamy without being too heavy, and it clings to the pasta just right. Plus, it’s easily customizable—swap the chicken, change the pasta, or sneak in veggies! Best of all, you can make it all in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this creamy pasta dish—just simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
½ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish – optional)

Instructions

This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the garlic cream sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Add Parmesan and adjust
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy garlic sauce. Let it all heat through for another 2–3 minutes.
Garnish and serve
Top with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve warm!

Servings and Timing

One of the best things about this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta—besides how delicious it is—is how fast it comes together. It’s a great go-to for busy weeknights or when you need something satisfying in a hurry.

Servings: This recipe makes about 4 generous servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

It’s a full meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for the full restaurant-at-home experience.

Tips and Variations

This dish is super flexible, which makes it perfect for experimenting or using up what you already have in the fridge. Here are a few ideas to mix it up:

Swap the protein: Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a fun twist.
Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Go spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream—just note the sauce will be thinner.
Change the pasta: Penne, rotini, linguine—whatever you love or have on hand works!
Cheese it up: Stir in extra cheese like mozzarella or asiago for more richness.

Storage

Got leftovers? No problem! This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta stores well and makes for a tasty next-day lunch or easy dinner.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave—just stir halfway through for even heating.
Freezing: Creamy sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, as they can separate. If you do freeze it, be sure to stir well while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great—just add it after the sauce is made to warm through.

What’s the best pasta to use?
Any pasta works! Fettuccine, penne, and rotini all hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Is there a dairy-free version?
You can try using unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low to medium and avoid boiling the sauce. Stir continuously when adding cheese.

Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Broccoli, mushrooms, peas, or spinach are great add-ins.

What can I serve this with?
Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies pair perfectly.

Conclusion

There you have it—Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta made simple, delicious, and totally doable even on your busiest nights. It’s creamy, cozy, and loaded with flavor that’s sure to impress without any stress. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself (hello, leftovers!), this recipe is a reliable go-to you’ll want in your rotation.

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