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 π. Juicy, tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pastaβ¦ itβs the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your heart full β€οΈ. Whether itβs a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this pasta promises flavor, comfort, and a whole lot of love in every bite.
πΏ The Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe came to life on one of those evenings when I wanted something quick but special π·. 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 itβs a family favorite β simple ingredients turned into pure comfort food magic π«.
β What Makes This Recipe Special?
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta hits that perfect balance between rich and cozy β¨. The sauce is luxuriously creamy but not too heavy, infused with buttery garlic flavor and a hint of Parmesan cheese π§. The chicken adds heartiness, and the pasta ties everything together beautifully. The best part? Itβs ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a romantic dinner at home π.
π Ingredients β Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless & skinless) π
- 1 tsp garlic powder π§
- Salt & pepper to taste π§
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter π§
- 5β6 garlic cloves, minced π§
- 1 cup heavy cream π₯
- Β½ cup chicken broth
- Β½ cup grated Parmesan cheese π§
- Β½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or spaghetti π
- Fresh parsley for garnish πΏ
π©βπ³ Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: π 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 6β7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.
Step 2: π§ Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. SautΓ© until fragrant β about 30 seconds (donβt burn it!).
Step 3: π₯£ 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: π 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: πΏ 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: π§ Garnish & Serve
Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while itβs hot and creamy β every bite will melt in your mouth π.
π΄ Serving Suggestions β What to Pair It With
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks π₯
- A simple green salad π₯
- Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus π₯¦
- A chilled glass of white wine π·
π¨ Customization & Variations
- π Mushroom addition: Add sautΓ©ed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- π₯ Bacon lovers: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- πΆοΈ Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a touch of chili oil.
- π₯¬ Veggie boost: Add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- π§ Extra cheesy: Mix in mozzarella for a stringy, gooey texture.
π§ 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.
π₯¦ Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving β Approx.)
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
π¬ Reader Q&A β Common Questions
1οΈβ£ Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes! The sauce will be a bit lighter but still creamy π₯.
2οΈβ£ Can I make it with shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely β shrimp tastes amazing in this garlic cream sauce π€.
3οΈβ£ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat on low while adding cream and stir continuously π©βπ³.
4οΈβ£ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just warm it up in the sauce before mixing with pasta π.
5οΈβ£ Is there a dairy-free version?
Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives π₯₯.
6οΈβ£ What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are ideal for holding the sauce π.
7οΈβ£ Can I freeze it?
Cream sauces donβt freeze well β best enjoyed fresh.
8οΈβ£ How can I make it thicker?
Add more Parmesan or simmer a few extra minutes.
9οΈβ£ What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano work great too π§.
π Can I add white wine to the sauce?
Yes β a splash of dry white wine adds depth and aroma π·.
π Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl ππ. Itβs simple, indulgent, and bursting with that rich, garlicky flavor that everyone loves. Whether itβs a family dinner or a cozy meal for one, this pasta brings restaurant-quality taste right to your home. Make it once, and youβll keep coming back for seconds β guaranteed β€οΈ.
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Hi, I’m Sayan, the creator behind Mamacooksdinner.com. Iβm passionate about making home cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, my goal is to help you create delicious meals with simple ingredients.