Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
This easy, totally delicious pasta creamy garlic chicken pasta is a keep-forever kind of recipe that you’ll come back to over and over again. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, comforting, and the kind of dish that everyone at your table will love – adults and fussy kids included!
I’ve been very firmly in my pasta era recently, and I’ve got more ideas that I think you’ll enjoy! Be sure to check out my Philly cheesesteak pasta, canned tuna pasta, spicy bacon and tomato pasta, and garlic butter mushroom pasta.
Ingredients & Process Overview
You’ll just need pasta, chicken breast, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, and a little olive oil and butter for cooking. Nothing complicated!
The chicken is first cooked until golden and tender before being combined with plenty of garlic and Italian seasoning. Chicken broth and heavy cream form the base of the sauce, while freshly grated Parmesan melts in to create a rich, silky finish. The cooked pasta is then tossed in the sauce until every piece is coated, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded Parmesan.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and is perfect for loosening the sauce if it becomes too thick. It’s easy to forget this step, but it makes a big difference so to try remember!
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic. It only needs about 30 seconds to become fragrant and can turn bitter if browned.
- If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, simply stir in a splash of warm pasta water before serving.
- Penne and rigatoni are my favorite pasta shapes for this recipe because they hold onto the creamy sauce so well, but other short pasta shapes work too.
- For extra flavor, season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
Variations & Extras
This one is super easy to customize depending on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.
- Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, broccoli, peas, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Make it spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little heat.
- Try a different protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or sliced smoked sausage.
- Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
- Add more cheese: Stir in a little grated mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, or extra Parmesan for an even richer sauce.
- Brighten it up: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Make it extra garlicky: Add an extra clove or two of garlic if you’re a garlic lover.
- Add bacon: Crispy bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Top with fresh herbs: Basil, chives, or extra parsley all make great finishing touches.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk, cream, or water to help restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the parsley and taste for seasoning, adding additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d really love to hear how it turned out for you! You can leave a review and rating below.