Creamy garlic chicken pasta is rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavor. Tender chicken is combined with perfectly cooked pasta and coated in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that comes together quickly in one pan. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but delivers restaurant-quality results.
Serves: 3–4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min
Why This Works:
- Creamy, garlicky sauce with bold parmesan flavor
- Tender chicken paired with perfectly coated pasta
- Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff
- Quick and easy one-pan style meal
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works great)
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Prep:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain
- Slice chicken into even strips
- Mince or press garlic
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan.
- Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Goes Great With:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
Notes:
- Salt your pasta water well for better flavor
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender
- Add spinach or mushrooms for variation
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Creamy garlic chicken pasta made with tender chicken, parmesan, and a rich, garlicky sauce for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain
- Slice chicken into even strips
- Mince garlic
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan.
- Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Salt your pasta water well for better flavor
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender
- Add spinach or mushrooms for variation