Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple to whip up yet bursting with rich, irresistible flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true winner in the weeknight dinner lineup. It brings together perfectly cooked chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that feels both comforting and a little indulgent. Every bite is silky and flavorful, thanks to fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, making it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so delightful is how straightforward and essential each ingredient is—nothing complicated, just fresh, delicious components that work together to create magic. From the richness of the cream to the zesty punch of garlic, these ingredients are the heart and soul of the dish.
- 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta: Choose your favorite shape; it’s the perfect base that captures the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sear the chicken to juicy perfection.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Brings a silky richness that elevates the sauce texture.
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces: Tender protein that soaks up all those garlic and herb flavors.
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced: Offers a mild sweetness that complements the garlic’s punch.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: The key aromatic that gives this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe its unforgettable depth.
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the sauce spices together perfectly.
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and complexity when you deglaze the pan.
- 1 cup (200 ml) heavy cream: The true star that makes the sauce dreamy and luscious.
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan: Salty and nutty, it enriches and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped: Brings freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential to balance and bring the whole dish to life.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve some of that starchy pasta water before draining, because it’s going to come in handy for adjusting your sauce later and helping everything cling together just right.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in your chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are golden on the outside and cooked through. This step locks in juicy flavor and provides a perfect base for your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add the finely diced shallot to the pan and sauté for one minute until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds—this gentle cooking wakes up those beautiful garlic aromas without burning them.
Step 4: Season and Deglaze
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over your chicken and veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer until it thickens to a dreamy, velvety consistency. Toss the cooked pasta into this luscious sauce, mixing it all up. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it coats everything perfectly.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, then season the entire dish to taste with salt and black pepper. Give everything a final toss and get ready to serve this gorgeous pasta right away.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan add a fresh and elegant touch that makes every bite feel special. A light drizzle of good olive oil can also add a lovely sheen and richness before serving.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or even crusty garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that incredible sauce. Keep sides light to let the pasta shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in warm shallow bowls garnished with a sprig of parsley for a cozy dinner vibe, or elevate the presentation using a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and a touch of elegance. Small ramekins of extra Parmesan at the table never go amiss, either!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky since the texture might change, but if you want to freeze it, do so before adding the cream and cheese. Freeze the chicken and pasta separately, then thaw and prepare sauce fresh when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
When reheating, warm your pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water while reheating helps revive that silky sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While classic shapes like fettuccine or penne work beautifully, feel free to use whatever pasta you prefer or have on hand—the sauce clings wonderfully to almost all varieties.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be a bit different but still deliciously creamy.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice. This keeps acidity in the sauce and maintains a lovely balance without alcohol.
How spicy is the dish?
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is not spicy by default. If you like a little heat, adding red pepper flakes during cooking is an easy way to give it a subtle kick.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can dice the chicken and shallots ahead of time and even cook the pasta in advance, storing it separately. It is best to assemble and combine all ingredients just before serving to keep the sauce fresh and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is the kind of comforting, flavor-packed meal that quickly becomes a household favorite. It’s easy enough for busy nights but special enough to impress anyone at the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to pasta dish!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce with Parmesan and fresh parsley, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine
- 1 cup (200 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
- Sauté Shallot and Garlic: Add the finely diced shallot to the pan and cook for 1 minute until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Deglaze: Stir in the Italian seasoning. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dry white wine can be omitted or replaced with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Make sure to reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps adjust sauce consistency and enhances flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
