Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, creamy pasta dish after a long day β€” and this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate soul-satisfying meal πŸ˜‹. Juicy, tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta… it’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your heart full ❀️. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this pasta promises flavor, comfort, and a whole lot of love in every bite.


🌿 The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe came to life on one of those evenings when I wanted something quick but special 🍷. I had leftover chicken from lunch, some cream in the fridge, and a handful of pasta waiting to be used. I started sautΓ©ing garlic in butter β€” and the aroma that filled my kitchen instantly lifted my mood! Within 30 minutes, I had a silky, luscious garlic sauce coating every strand of pasta. It turned out so delicious that now it’s a family favorite β€” simple ingredients turned into pure comfort food magic πŸ’«.


⭐ What Makes This Recipe Special?

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta hits that perfect balance between rich and cozy ✨. The sauce is luxuriously creamy but not too heavy, infused with buttery garlic flavor and a hint of Parmesan cheese πŸ§€. The chicken adds heartiness, and the pasta ties everything together beautifully. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a romantic dinner at home πŸ’•.


πŸ›’ Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Chicken:

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless & skinless) πŸ—
  • 1 tsp garlic powder πŸ§„
  • Salt & pepper to taste πŸ§‚
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter 🧈
  • 5–6 garlic cloves, minced πŸ§„
  • 1 cup heavy cream πŸ₯›
  • Β½ cup chicken broth
  • Β½ cup grated Parmesan cheese πŸ§€
  • Β½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or spaghetti 🍝
  • Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿

πŸ‘©β€πŸ³ Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: πŸ— Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.

Step 2: πŸ§„ Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. SautΓ© until fragrant β€” about 30 seconds (don’t burn it!).

Step 3: πŸ₯£ Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: 🍝 Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a small cup of pasta water.

Step 5: 🌿 Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the creamy garlic sauce. Toss well, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: πŸ§€ Garnish & Serve
Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy β€” every bite will melt in your mouth 😍.


🍴 Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with:

  • Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks πŸ₯–
  • A simple green salad πŸ₯—
  • Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus πŸ₯¦
  • A chilled glass of white wine 🍷

🎨 Customization & Variations

  • πŸ„ Mushroom addition: Add sautΓ©ed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
  • πŸ₯“ Bacon lovers: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
  • 🌢️ Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a touch of chili oil.
  • πŸ₯¬ Veggie boost: Add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • πŸ§€ Extra cheesy: Mix in mozzarella for a stringy, gooey texture.

🧊 Storing & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back creaminess.
  • Avoid microwaving for too long β€” it can make the sauce separate.

πŸ₯¦ Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 590 kcal
  • Protein: 36g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g

πŸ’¬ Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1️⃣ Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes! The sauce will be a bit lighter but still creamy πŸ₯›.

2️⃣ Can I make it with shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely β€” shrimp tastes amazing in this garlic cream sauce 🍀.

3️⃣ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat on low while adding cream and stir continuously πŸ‘©β€πŸ³.

4️⃣ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just warm it up in the sauce before mixing with pasta πŸ—.

5️⃣ Is there a dairy-free version?
Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives πŸ₯₯.

6️⃣ What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are ideal for holding the sauce 🍝.

7️⃣ Can I freeze it?
Cream sauces don’t freeze well β€” best enjoyed fresh.

8️⃣ How can I make it thicker?
Add more Parmesan or simmer a few extra minutes.

9️⃣ What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano work great too πŸ§€.

πŸ”Ÿ Can I add white wine to the sauce?
Yes β€” a splash of dry white wine adds depth and aroma 🍷.


πŸ’– Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl πŸπŸ’›. It’s simple, indulgent, and bursting with that rich, garlicky flavor that everyone loves. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy meal for one, this pasta brings restaurant-quality taste right to your home. Make it once, and you’ll keep coming back for seconds β€” guaranteed ❀️.


🍽️ Tried This Recipe?

If you loved this recipe, make sure to follow @mamacooksdinner on Pinterest for more heartwarming, easy-to-make meals that fill your home with love and flavor πŸ’•.

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