Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a quick and comforting meal, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe for a satisfying weeknight dinner. With tender chicken, a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. The combination of creamy sauce and hearty pasta is loved by both kids and adults, making it an ideal family meal. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master. Let’s get started!

Key Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

To achieve that mouthwatering flavor and creamy texture, the ingredients you use are key. Here’s what you’ll need for this dish:

• 8 oz pasta: Any pasta shape works, but fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are great choices.
• 2 chicken breasts, diced: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking and dicing.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds depth and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This creates the creamy base of the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps to thin out the sauce while enriching it.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor and thickens the sauce.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish.
• Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that adds color and a fresh finish to the dish.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

• Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
• Pasta pot: To boil the pasta.
• Tongs or spatula: For tossing the pasta with the sauce.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For dicing the chicken and mincing garlic.
• Grater: To grate fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the broth, cream, and cheese accurately.

Preparing the Chicken for the Pasta

Start by preparing your chicken to get the right texture and flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally to make sure the chicken cooks evenly, turning golden brown on all sides. The goal is to cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside and has a slight crisp on the outside, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, you’ll build the sauce directly in the same skillet to capture all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture well to combine and bring it to a simmer. Once it starts to simmer, lower the heat and let it gently thicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should become silky and smooth, creating a perfect base for the pasta.

Cooking the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For the best texture, aim to cook the pasta al dente—firm to the bite. Once the pasta is done, drain it well but save a bit of the pasta water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce later to help the sauce cling to the pasta better.

Combining the Chicken, Sauce, and Pasta

Now that the chicken is cooked, the sauce is thickened, and the pasta is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts and the sauce becomes even more creamy and smooth. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and use tongs to toss everything together, making sure each strand of pasta is coated with the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta to add a touch of color and freshness. Serve the pasta straight from the skillet for a family-style presentation, or divide it into individual plates for a more polished look. Pair this creamy garlic chicken pasta with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Make sure to cook it just until it’s golden brown and no longer pink inside.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn the whole dish bitter. Sauté it gently and only until it’s fragrant.
• Thickening the sauce too much: If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a little more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Storing Leftovers and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pasta before microwaving or heating on the stovetop. This will help revive the creamy texture of the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! This recipe works with any pasta shape—penne, fettuccine, or even fusilli would be great choices.

Can I substitute the chicken?
You can swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier option. You can also use shrimp or tofu for a different protein.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Be sure to simmer the sauce gently, not boil it, and add the cheese slowly to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

• Add vegetables: To make this dish even heartier, consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables in the same pan after cooking the chicken.
• Lighten it up: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or even opt for a non-dairy cream alternative.
• Gluten-free option: Simply swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To complete your meal, serve this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with a simple garden salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For non-alcoholic drink pairings, iced tea or a sparkling water with a slice of lemon complements the dish well, cutting through the richness of the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone looking for an easy, yet indulgent meal. The combination of tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and pasta creates a comforting dish that everyone will love. It’s also versatile and can be adapted for different preferences and dietary needs. Give this recipe a try tonight, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious, easy-to-make meals.

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