If you love creamy pasta dishes, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort meal. With a rich garlic-infused sauce, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavour to your table in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is a must-try if you’re a fan of creamy garlic chicken pasta dishes like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Pair it with Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread or a warm bowl of Olive Garden Minestrone Soup for a full Italian-inspired meal.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Their Role
- Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Variations & Substitutions
- Nutritional Information
- FAQs
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Creamy – The perfect balance of garlic, parmesan, and heavy cream.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
✔ Customizable – Works with different proteins, pasta, and veggies.
✔ Irresistible Garlic Flavor – If you love garlic chicken pasta, this is for you!
If you struggle with getting a smooth and creamy pasta sauce, this guide from The Kitchn will help you master it.
Ingredients & Their Role
This creamy garlic chicken pasta uses simple ingredients but delivers big flavours.
| Ingredient | Purpose & Notes |
|---|---|
| Pasta (10 oz) | Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold sauce well. |
| Chicken Breast (1 lb) | Boneless, skinless—juicy and lean. |
| Garlic (4 cloves) | Essential for deep garlic flavour. |
| Heavy Cream (2 cups) | Creates a rich, velvety sauce. |
| Parmesan Cheese (½ cup) | Adds savory, umami depth. |
| Butter (1 tbsp) | Enhances richness and flavour. |
| Olive Oil (2 tbsp) | Helps sear the chicken to perfection. |
| Spinach (2 cups) | Adds freshness and colour. |
| Tomatoes (1 cup, diced) | Balances creaminess with a touch of acidity. |
| Seasonings | Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper for extra flavour. |
If you’re looking for another creamy chicken pasta, check out Garlic Creamy Chicken Pasta for a similar dish!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook pasta al dente, drain, and reserve ½ cup pasta water for the sauce.
Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Remove from pan and slice into thin strips.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Melt butter in the same pan, then sauté the garlic until aromatic.
- Add diced tomatoes and spinach, cooking until soft.
- Lower heat, add heavy cream and Parmesan and stir continuously.
- If too thick, use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
Combine Everything
- Add sliced chicken and drained pasta back to the pan.
- Stir until well coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat).
- Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh basil.
Want a crockpot version? Try Crockpot Chicken Alfredo for a slow-cooked creamy pasta experience!
Variations & Substitutions
✅ Low-Carb Alternative – Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
✅ Dairy-Free Option – Swap heavy cream for coconut milk.
✅ Extra Protein – Add shrimp or crispy bacon.
✅ Make It Spicy – Add Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
For another creamy, flavour-packed chicken dish, try to Marry Me Chicken!
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats:
- Calories: ~639 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 41g
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
Healthier Alternatives
🥦 Whole Wheat Pasta – Adds fibre and nutrients.
🥛 Greek Yogurt Instead of Heavy Cream – Lowers fat content while keeping it creamy.
🍗 Grilled Chicken Instead of Pan-Fried – Reduces oil usage.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
How do I reheat it without drying out the sauce?
Stir in a splash of milk or cream while reheating over low heat.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Penne, fettuccine, and rigatoni hold the sauce best.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is rich, comforting, and bursting with garlic flavour. Whether you’re making it for family, guests, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to be a favourite.
For more delicious creamy chicken recipes, check out Crockpot Chicken Alfredo for a slow-cooked version with even deeper flavours!
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out!