Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting meal, this creamy garlic chicken pasta is the perfect choice
There are some days when you just want to sit down with a bowl of something warm, rich, and deeply satisfying. Maybe it’s after a hectic day at work, or during a quiet evening when all you need is food that feels like a soft blanket. That’s where this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta steps in. It’s not just a meal—it’s a way to soothe your soul with every bite.
This dish brings together everything you crave in one pan—juicy chicken, golden garlic, and a luxuriously creamy sauce wrapped around your favorite pasta. It’s quick enough for weeknights and decadent enough for guests. Best of all? You won’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This recipe ?
- It’s ready in under half an hour.
- Every bite is packed with creamy, garlicky goodness.
- You’ll only need one pan and minimal cleanup.
- It’s family-friendly and highly customizable.
- The leftovers reheat beautifully (if there are any!).
Ingredients
You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen. Here’s everything required to bring this recipe to life:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast fillets | 2 medium | Skinless, boneless, sliced into strips |
| Pasta | 300 g (10.5 oz) | Penne, fettuccine, or your preferred type |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For searing the chicken |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tbsp | Adds richness |
| Garlic cloves | 6 | Minced or finely chopped |
| Chicken stock | 150 ml | Use low-sodium for better control |
| Heavy cream | 300 ml | Also labeled double cream in some stores |
| Parmesan cheese | 50 g | Freshly grated works best |
| Ground black pepper | To taste | Freshly cracked, if possible |
| Salt | To taste | Adjust to your preference |
| Parsley | Fresh, chopped | Optional for garnish |
How to Make it
To start your creamy garlic chicken pasta, follow the process step by step so you can get this on the table fast.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water. Cook it just until al dente—you want it to have a bit of bite, as it’ll cook further in the sauce. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your sliced chicken breast and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same pan, melt the butter and add the garlic. Let it cook gently for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Add chicken stock and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits off the bottom.
Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let it thicken slightly, about 5–6 minutes.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Use some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and create that silky texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate it up and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Add extra Parmesan on top if desired. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Want to make your dish restaurant-quality? Keep these simple tricks in mind:
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Avoid jarred or powdered versions.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—it can dry out. It’s done once the center is no longer pink.
- Fresh Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded versions.
- Add pasta water slowly to thin the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Let the sauce rest for 1–2 minutes off the heat to thicken naturally.
Customizations You Can Try
Feel free to tweak the recipe to match your preferences:
- Add baby spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and color.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or sliced turkey if you want something different.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Stir in red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
- A squeeze of lemon brightens the richness of the cream.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Balance out the richness with these side dish ideas:
- A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette
- Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
- A sparkling drink or lightly sweet iced tea
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to make them just as good the next day:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or stock to refresh the sauce.
- Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the sauce separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make creamy garlic chicken pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely—you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it safely in your refrigerator. After cooking, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or even water to loosen up the sauce as it warms. This helps restore the original creamy texture without overcooking the pasta or drying out the chicken. It’s a great way to prep for a dinner party or busy weeknight meal.
What kind of pasta works best for creamy garlic chicken pasta?
The best types of pasta for this recipe are short or flat varieties that can grip and hold the rich garlic cream sauce. Try penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or linguine for the best results. These shapes allow the sauce to cling to the surface and seep into every bite. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair or vermicelli, as they tend to overcook quickly and won’t hold the sauce effectively, leading to a less satisfying texture.
Can I freeze creamy garlic chicken pasta?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish. While technically safe, freezing a cream-based sauce often results in texture changes—the sauce can separate or become grainy after thawing due to the high-fat content and dairy components. If you must freeze leftovers, do so in a tightly sealed container and reheat slowly over low heat, stirring constantly to minimize splitting. However, for best flavor and texture, it’s ideal to enjoy this dish freshly made or stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking or curdling?
To maintain a silky smooth sauce, keep your cooking temperature in check. Never let the cream boil—boiling causes the fats and proteins to separate, leading to a broken or grainy sauce. Instead, keep the heat at a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring continuously over low heat, and make sure it’s fully incorporated before adding more. Also, avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly. These small steps make a big difference in achieving that perfect creamy texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to this creamy garlic chicken pasta?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this dish with a few simple swaps, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly. Use full-fat coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and opt for a high-quality plant-based cheese that melts well—such as those made from cashews or coconut oil. For butter, substitute with a vegan butter or olive oil. Keep in mind that coconut cream has a naturally sweet, nutty flavor, so it will slightly alter the overall profile of the sauce. If you’re okay with that twist, it’s a great option for those avoiding dairy.
Final Thoughts: This Dish Isn’t Just Food—It’s a Memory in the Making
Once you try this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, it’ll quickly become part of your go-to recipes. It’s easy to make, endlessly comforting, and always delivers. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a solo comfort meal, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
This creamy garlic chicken pasta is sure to become a family favorite!
