There’s nothing quite like the aroma of creamy garlic chicken pasta wafting through the kitchen. Imagine twirling your fork into a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta, sending your taste buds on a delightful journey. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience, a hug in a bowl that brings comfort and joy with every bite.
I remember the first time I made creamy garlic chicken pasta for my friends during a cozy movie night. Their delighted faces as they dug in made my heart swell with pride. This dish is perfect for gatherings, date nights, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The creamy garlic chicken pasta is quick to whip up, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The rich flavors create an unforgettable dining experience
- Its stunning presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests
- Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile—feel free to add veggies or swap out proteins based on your preferences!
It was hilarious watching my friends fight over the last piece of chicken one night—let’s just say they weren’t shy about their love for this dish!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts works well; adjust according to your crowd size.
Fresh Garlic: The more fresh garlic you use, the more flavor you’ll pack into this dish.
Pasta of Choice: I recommend fettuccine or penne; they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream: For that dreamy, creamy texture; don’t skimp!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a nutty flavor that elevates the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for its robust flavor when cooking the chicken.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
First things first: preparing your ingredients sets you up for success.
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop garlic finely until fragrant and have your pasta measured out and ready to go.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic & Cream: Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom.
Toss in Pasta & Cheese: Stir in cooked pasta along with grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is coated in that luscious sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy immediately while it’s still warm and creamy!
This creamy garlic chicken pasta will surely become a staple in your home—a delicious way to wow family and friends alike!
You Must Know
- This creamy garlic chicken pasta is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl!
- The combination of flavors and aromas will have you dreaming about your next serving
- Plus, it’s quick to whip up for those unexpected guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, cook the chicken first until golden brown, then boil the pasta while whipping up that luscious sauce. This sequence keeps everything flavorful and fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp, or add in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to amplify flavors. Experimenting can lead to exciting new versions of this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warm to preserve creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your creamy garlic chicken pasta, remember to season your cooking water for pasta
- This simple step infuses flavor right from the start
- Adjust garlic levels according to your preference for a milder taste
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the presentation beautifully
Making this creamy garlic chicken pasta always brings back fond memories of family gatherings when everyone devoured every last bite while sharing laughter and stories.
FAQ
What type of pasta is best for creamy garlic chicken pasta?
Fettuccine or penne works wonderfully, as they hold onto the sauce perfectly.
Can I make it healthier?
Absolutely! Use whole-grain pasta and reduce cream by substituting with Greek yogurt.
How can I add more vegetables?
Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini during the cooking process for added nutrition.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Creamy garlic chicken pasta is a sumptuous dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this meal is quick to prepare and offers an explosion of flavors that will impress everyone at the table. With its creamy texture and aromatic garlic notes, it’s truly a hug in a bowl, ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice chicken and mince garlic.
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Sauté chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic & cream: Lower heat, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and scrape any browned bits from the pan.
- Combine: Stir in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese until well-coated; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle parsley on top before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
