Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy, savory, and full of soul-warming flavor — Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together juicy seared chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. This dish feels like something you'd find in a cozy trattoria tucked away in a quiet Italian street, but it comes together in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.

Whether you're winding down after a long day or entertaining guests with minimal effort, this recipe hits the mark. It's packed with bold garlic notes, balanced by creaminess and a whisper of spice, making it rich without being heavy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or as a showstopping addition to your pasta rotation — it's a meal everyone will crave again.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Fast & Flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and big flavor.
• One Pan Wonder: Less mess, less cleanup — cook the chicken and sauce all in one skillet.
• Creamy Garlic Heaven: The sauce is dreamy, garlicky, and coats the pasta like a pro.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, picky eaters — everyone loves this dish.
• Versatile: Use any pasta shape or swap in shrimp or mushrooms for variations.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes gourmet, but it’s super easy to make.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Reheats beautifully for leftovers or meal prepping.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Why They Matter)

To create the perfect Garlic Chicken Pasta, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here's what you’ll need and why:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is essential for searing the chicken and making the creamy garlic sauce. A heavy-bottomed skillet retains heat well and allows for even cooking and browning.
• Medium Pot: For boiling your pasta separately until al dente. Choose a pot with enough room so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
• Tongs or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for flipping the chicken and stirring the sauce gently without breaking the pasta.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: You’ll be slicing chicken and chopping fresh garlic, so a sharp knife is a must.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision helps balance the sauce and seasoning.
• Colander or Strainer: To drain the cooked pasta quickly and easily.

Having these tools prepped and ready will help everything come together effortlessly — no scrambling mid-recipe.

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Preparation Tips

• Room Temperature Chicken: Let your chicken breasts sit out for 10–15 minutes before cooking. It helps them cook more evenly and stay juicy.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning your chicken before searing. Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or Italian herbs can elevate flavor instantly.
• Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder is convenient, fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a bolder, more aromatic kick.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a half cup of pasta water before draining — it's perfect for loosening the sauce if needed.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente since it’ll finish in the sauce and absorb even more flavor.
• Cream Comes Last: Stir in the heavy cream after deglazing and lowering the heat — this prevents curdling and keeps your sauce smooth.

A little planning and these smart prep tips go a long way to achieving a rich, flavorful, and silky Garlic Chicken Pasta every time.

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Ingredients for This Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy, garlicky dream to life. These ingredients are easy to find and pack a big flavor punch when combined just right.

For the Chicken & Pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – sliced into bite-sized strips
• 2 teaspoons olive oil – for searing
• 1 teaspoon paprika – adds warmth and color
• Salt & black pepper – to taste
• 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta – cooked al dente

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced – the star of the show
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – for richness
• 1 cup heavy cream – creates the luscious, creamy base
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for salty, cheesy depth
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – a gentle kick of heat
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta) – to adjust sauce consistency
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for a fresh finish and color pop

These simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy pasta dish in no time. Make sure you prep and measure everything ahead to move smoothly from pan to plate.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Garlic Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni (or pasta of your choice) and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant — don’t let it burn!

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Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce thicken slightly for 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together in the sauce, making sure the pasta is well coated and the chicken is warmed through.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you like. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

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Notes

• Chicken Alternatives: You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Swap: While Parmesan adds that classic sharpness, you can try Pecorino Romano or even Asiago for a slightly different flavor.
• Adjust Heat Levels: The red pepper flakes are optional — skip them for a milder dish or add more if you love a spicy kick.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid putting all the chicken in at once if your skillet is small. It causes steaming instead of searing — work in batches for golden brown edges.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Once your chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it immediately. Dry chicken can ruin the whole texture of the dish.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns fast! Sauté it just until fragrant — if it turns brown, it gets bitter.
• Using Cold Cream: If you pour cold cream into a hot pan, it may separate. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: It’s liquid gold. That starchy water helps bind the sauce and gives it a silky finish.
• Adding Cheese Too Early: Stir cheese in after the cream has warmed through — adding it too early can cause clumping or graininess.
• Undersalting the Pasta Water: Your pasta should cook in well-salted water — it’s the first chance to build flavor.
• Forgetting to Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give the sauce a taste. Add salt, pepper, or more Parmesan if needed to balance the flavors.

These tips ensure your Garlic Chicken Pasta comes out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every single time.

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What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Chicken Pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn your dinner into a well-rounded, crave-worthy meal. Whether you're hosting or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, these ideas complement the creamy garlic flavors beautifully.

8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette
   Soak up all that creamy sauce with some crusty garlic bread — a must-have side!
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine, parmesan, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus
   Oven-roasted green veggies add balance and a slight char that works great with garlic.
4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze — a light, acidic side.
5. Lemon-Parmesan Green Beans
   Snappy green beans sautéed with lemon zest brighten up the meal.
6. Chili Flake Brussels Sprouts
   Roasted Brussels with a spicy kick pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
7. Creamy Tomato Soup
   A comforting option, especially when paired with crusty bread and the pasta.
8. White Wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
   Not a side, but definitely a worthy companion — the wine cuts through the richness and enhances the garlic notes.

Mix and match depending on your mood or the occasion — any of these will turn your Garlic Chicken Pasta night into something special.

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Storage Instructions

Garlic Chicken Pasta stores surprisingly well, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches. Here’s how to store and reheat it while keeping the flavors intact:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Let it cool fully before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer: You can freeze it, but creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed. If you must freeze, do so in individual portions and reheat gently with added cream or milk.
• Reheating Tips: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwave is okay too, just stir halfway through to prevent drying out.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	610 kcal
Protein	36 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	33 g
Saturated Fat	17 g
Unsaturated Fat	13 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	120 mg
Sodium	400 mg
Sugar	2 g
Fiber	2 g
Serving Size	1¼ cups

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! If you're in a hurry, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. Just skip the searing step and add it when combining the sauce and pasta.

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2. Can I make this Garlic Chicken Pasta dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the heavy cream for unsweetened oat or almond cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor changes slightly but still tastes amazing.

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3. What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Rigatoni, penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work well. Use a shape with ridges or curves so the sauce clings beautifully.

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### 4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or peas blend perfectly with the creamy garlic flavor and add color and nutrition.

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5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer for an extra 1–2 minutes, or stir in more Parmesan. You can also make a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken it up.

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6. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance and store them separately. Reheat everything together in the sauce just before serving.

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7. Why is my sauce grainy or separating?

This usually happens if the cream is added to too-hot a pan or if the cheese is added too quickly. Keep the heat medium and stir constantly while adding the cheese.

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8. Can I double the recipe?

Totally! Just make sure to use a large enough pan so everything cooks evenly. Double the ingredients but taste and adjust seasoning as you go.

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Conclusion

Creamy, rich, and loaded with garlic-forward goodness, Garlic Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that instantly earns a spot in your regular meal rotation. It’s quick enough for weeknights, yet indulgent enough to serve guests or enjoy as a cozy weekend treat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a silky sauce that hugs every bite of pasta and chicken.

Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again — because this pasta isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment.

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