If there’s ever been a dish that instantly warms you up and feels like a big, cozy hug, it’s Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta. Imagine twirly pasta ribbons coated in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, tossed with golden seared chicken and finished with a shower of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with comfort, yet feels deliciously special—whether it’s date night or a weeknight!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is how a few simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something craveable. Each component matters, bringing a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color to the finished dish.

Pasta: Fettuccine is classic for its ribbon-like shape which beautifully holds the creamy sauce, but you can use any pasta you love or have on hand.
Olive Oil: A drizzle in the skillet helps to perfectly brown the chicken and adds a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Sliced thin, it cooks quickly and stays tender, making every bite juicy and satisfying.
Italian Seasoning: This colorful blend is packed with herby, aromatic notes that complement the creamy sauce and chicken.
Garlic Powder: It enhances the chicken’s flavor and deepens the garlicky goodness of the whole dish.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, and don’t be shy—these are essential for unlocking every other flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Melting butter into the pan builds the luscious foundation of the cream sauce.
Fresh Garlic: Yes, use six whole cloves! This is the heart and soul of creamy garlic chicken pasta, infusing each bite with real garlic flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit thickens the sauce to that gorgeous, silky consistency we all crave.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and balance, while keeping the sauce from being too heavy.
Heavy Cream: The must-have ingredient for the creamiest, dreamiest sauce imaginable.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best! It melts into the sauce for savory, nutty richness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Sprinkle in some heat if you like a gentle kick with your creaminess.
Fresh Parsley: A handful of chopped parsley brightens up the finished dish with freshness and color.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start with a big pot of salted, boiling water and cook your fettuccine (or any pasta you choose) until it’s perfectly al dente. When the pasta is just right—tender but still a little firm to the bite—drain it and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce at the end!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the sliced chicken dry and toss it with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This quick seasoning gives the chicken loads of flavor. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the chicken in batches until each piece is golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Set the beautifully browned chicken aside for now.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it—you want all those tasty browned bits), lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until the fragrance fills your kitchen, about one minute. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for another minute. This helps create that perfect velvety sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to keep everything smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and let the sauce bubble gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Watch as it thickens into a dreamy, creamy texture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re going for that subtle heat—trust me, it’s so good!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked pasta and seared chicken to the skillet. Toss everything in the creamy sauce on low heat for a couple more minutes, just until everything is lovably coated and heated all the way through. If the sauce seems a tad thick, now’s when that reserved pasta water comes in handy.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For that signature restaurant-style finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your creamy garlic chicken pasta just before serving. A little extra Parmesan never hurts, and a dusting of fresh black pepper takes the flavors to the next level. Garnishes make your pasta look as incredible as it tastes!

Side Dishes

The savory richness of this dish pairs so well with bright, simple sides. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or steamed green veggies like broccolini, asparagus, or peas give a pop of freshness. Warm, crusty bread or even homemade garlic bread is practically mandatory to mop up every bit of that velvety sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make it extra special? Try twirling the pasta into little nests on each plate, then topping with slices of chicken and a final cascade of sauce. For a family-style twist, serve from a big, beautiful platter and let everyone dig in. You can also portion into bowls for an ultra-comforting, cozy presentation—this creamy garlic chicken pasta is a true showstopper either way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to three days and makes a delicious, hearty lunch the next day.

Freezing

Creamy sauces can be a little iffy when frozen, but this creamy garlic chicken pasta actually does pretty well! Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to one month. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to help loosen the pasta, then gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If using the microwave, cover and use low power, stirring occasionally for an even reheat. The sauce will come back to its creamy self with a little extra love.

FAQs

What pasta shapes work best with creamy garlic chicken pasta?

Fettuccine is classic because those wide noodles scoop up every drop of sauce, but linguine, penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work great. Just pick your favorite and enjoy!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and bring a slightly richer, darker flavor. Slice them thin and cook as directed for delicious results.

How can I make this recipe a bit lighter?

For a lighter version of creamy garlic chicken pasta, swap in half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and use less butter if you like. You could also add extra veggies like baby spinach or steamed broccoli to bulk it up with freshness.

Is there a vegetarian version?

You can skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even crispy tofu. Switch to vegetable broth, and you’ll still have a decadent, comforting pasta dish with tons of garlic flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully! Simply double all the ingredients and use your biggest skillet or a wide pot to ensure there’s plenty of room to toss the pasta and sauce together comfortably.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a big, creamy bowl of creamy garlic chicken pasta with the people you love. If you’re craving an easy dinner that feels fancy and tastes unforgettable, give this recipe a try—I’m convinced it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this rich and satisfying Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic Cream Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken and cook in a skillet until golden brown; set aside.
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add flour, then slowly whisk in broth and cream. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add Parmesan and red pepper flakes to the sauce. Toss in pasta and chicken. Simmer, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.