Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
This creamy garlic chicken pasta is the ultimate quick weeknight dinner – ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients. Juicy chicken and tender pasta are tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Hey friends! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and lightning-fast, you’ve come to the right place. This creamy garlic chicken pasta comes together in just 20 minutes using one pot (okay, one skillet and one pot – but minimal cleanup!). It’s rich, garlicky, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly coated pasta. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this recipe will become your new go-to.
The secret to the ultra-creamy sauce is a combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a little pasta water – no cream soup cans here! You’ll love how the garlic infuses the oil before you start, creating a deep, savory base. Serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal that feels fancy but is secretly super simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped(optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
📋Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- 4
Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.
- 6
Return chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- •Slice chicken breasts evenly so they cook quickly and uniformly.
- •Reserve extra pasta water – it's perfect for thinning the sauce if needed.
- •For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan – it melts better than pre-shredded.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Don't Overcook the Garlic
Minced garlic can burn quickly – sauté it just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin your sauce.
Here are a few more tips to make this dish perfect every time. First, always use freshly grated Parmesan – the pre-shredded stuff contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Second, don’t skip the reserved pasta water. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky finish. Finally, if you want a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, but note the sauce won’t be as thick.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic chicken pasta is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to cut the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. For a veggie boost, serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. It’s also great for meal prep – store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to switch things up! Substitute chicken with shrimp (cook 2-3 minutes per side) or sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Add spinach at the end for extra color and nutrients. For a spicy kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can also use gluten-free pasta – just adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on the sauce consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
And there you have it – a quick, creamy, and utterly delicious garlic chicken pasta that’s perfect for any weeknight. I hope you love it as much as my family does. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Happy cooking!
Written by
Elena RossiI'm Elena, a home cook turned recipe developer. At cooking word, I share simple, seasonal dishes inspired by my Italian roots and busy life.
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