Creamy Chicken Garlic Pasta
This comforting pasta features juicy seared chicken tossed in a luscious garlic cream sauce made with Parmesan, butter, and herbs. It’s quick, cozy, and perfect for weeknight dinners — restaurant flavor in under 30 minutes!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced thinly
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes for mild heat
For the Pasta:
200 g (about 7 oz) fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping any bits from the bottom. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Stir in cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated in sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
5. Serve:
Plate the creamy pasta, sprinkle with parsley, and finish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes & Tips
For a lighter version, use milk + 1 tsp cornstarch instead of cream.
Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Use leftover roasted chicken to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I use another protein?
Absolutely — shrimp, salmon, or even tofu work beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~560 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbs: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g