This rich and comforting Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate quick dinner. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky garlic cream sauce come together for a restaurant-quality meal made right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic and herbs, while the juicy chicken makes it hearty and satisfying. It’s a family-friendly dish that feels indulgent but is simple to make.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts (butterflied)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain. - Prepare the chicken
Butterfly chicken breasts and pat dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F). Remove and set aside. - Make the garlic sauce
Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic cloves. Sauté until golden and fragrant. - Add flavor base
Stir in rosemary and cook briefly. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the pan to release flavor. - Create the cream sauce
Add warmed cream and simmer for about 4 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine everything
Slice the chicken and return it to the pan. Add pasta and toss gently. - Adjust consistency
Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired texture. - Serve
Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Tricks
- Warm the cream before adding to prevent curdling
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition
- Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Halal
Notes
- Substitute penne with fettuccine or spaghetti
- Use milk instead of cream for a lighter version
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but fresh-cooked chicken gives better flavor and texture.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add less pasta water.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh for optimal creaminess.
What pasta works best?
Penne is great, but any pasta that holds sauce works well.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended due to cream sauce
- Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of milk
Similar Recipes
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts butterflied
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the chicken
- Butterfly chicken breasts and pat dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F). Remove and set aside.
- Make the garlic sauce
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic cloves. Sauté until golden and fragrant.
- Add flavor base
- Stir in rosemary and cook briefly. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the pan to release flavor.
- Create the cream sauce
- Add warmed cream and simmer for about 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything
- Slice the chicken and return it to the pan. Add pasta and toss gently.
- Adjust consistency
- Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired texture.
- Serve
- Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Substitute penne with fettuccine or spaghetti
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.