This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Tender juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky garlic parmesan cream sauce come together for an easy restaurant-style dinner the whole family will love.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for pasta
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
🍗 Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🍝 Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Water and salt for boiling
🧄 Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta water
🌿 Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan cheese
Ingredient Notes
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts more smoothly
- Heavy Cream: Creates the rich creamy texture
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor
- Pasta Water: Helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Add parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat in the creamy sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 720
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
Tips
- Don’t boil the cream too hard or the sauce may separate
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce
- Cook pasta just until al dente
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor
Variations
Spicy Version
Add extra chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Mushroom Garlic Pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic.
Lighter Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Seafood Twist
Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon pieces.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
