Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy garlic chicken pasta makes an easy weeknight dinner with tender chicken, rich garlic sauce, Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in about 30 minutes
Uses simple ingredients
Great for family dinners
Rich, creamy, and full of garlic flavor
Works well for lunch or dinner
Requires one skillet and one pot

Ingredients

For the chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until tender.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

Place the chicken in a bowl and add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Transfer the chicken to a plate.

4. Make the Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

5. Add Parmesan

Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.

Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.

6. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together. Coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy garlic sauce.

Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta.

Add extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

Recipe Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often does not melt as smoothly.

Do not overcook the chicken. Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so each piece cooks evenly.

Reserve pasta water before draining the pasta. A little pasta water helps loosen the sauce and gives the pasta a silky texture.

Cook the garlic briefly. Garlic burns quickly, so 30 seconds is enough to release its flavor.

Serve the pasta immediately for the best texture.

Easy Variations

Add spinach for extra vegetables. Stir fresh spinach into the sauce near the end of cooking.

Add broccoli for a heartier meal. Cook the broccoli separately or add small florets to the pasta during the final few minutes of boiling.

Add mushrooms for extra flavor. Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken or before making the sauce.

Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick seafood version.

Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

This pasta works well with simple side dishes.

Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Roasted broccoli
Steamed vegetables
Fresh green salad
Toasted bread

How to Store Leftovers

Place leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, and linguine all work well. Choose the pasta you already have in your pantry.

How do I make the sauce thinner?

Add reserved pasta water a little at a time while stirring until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

How do I make the recipe more flavorful?

Fresh garlic, freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and fresh parsley give the sauce plenty of flavor.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes. Store portions in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.