If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped up in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of richness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance in every bite without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, working together to build layers of flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful colors that make the dish irresistible.
- 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta: Choose your favorite shape; it acts as the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps to cook the chicken evenly.
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter: Brings richness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces: Tender protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced: Offers a sweet, delicate onion flavor that elevates the sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: The star ingredient delivering that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine: Helps to deglaze the pan and adds a subtle tangy depth.
- 1 cup (200 ml) heavy cream: The silky, luscious base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan: Adds sharp, savory notes and creaminess.
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbaceous color and flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to tie everything together.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve a little pasta water before draining—it’s magic for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on. The perfectly cooked pasta is going to be the vehicle that carries all that creamy goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are beautifully golden and cooked through. This step ensures you get juicy bites throughout the pasta.
Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Garlic
Next, toss in the finely diced shallot and cook for about one minute, just until they soften and release their sweet aroma. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. This quick sauté creates a fragrant base for the sauce that will have your kitchen smelling irresistible.
Step 4: Add Italian Seasoning and Deglaze with Wine
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, stirring to combine all those wonderful herbs. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. The wine deglazes the pan, lifting all those caramelized bits from the chicken and shallots, infusing the sauce with a subtle tangy depth.
Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce and Combine
Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir as the sauce begins to thicken. Once it reaches a nice creamy consistency, add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta gets fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water will help loosen it up beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Season your creation with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then give it a final toss. This last step adds a cheesy, fresh note that ties the entire Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe effortlessly together.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few whole sprigs of parsley on top brings a lovely finishing touch. You can also add a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick that brightens up each bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is also a classic side; it’s perfect for mopping up every last drop of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant look, plate the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish each serving with chopped parsley and freshly cracked pepper. You might also experiment with adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted mushrooms into the dish for added flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will marry even more overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
While this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. Just keep in mind the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy sauce. Avoid microwaving without liquid as the sauce might break or become dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe works wonderfully with classic shapes like penne or fettuccine, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor. The dish will still be creamy and delicious.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Definitely. Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and juiciness. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust the cooking time if the pieces are larger.
What if I don’t have white wine?
You can replace the white wine with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity. It won’t have the exact same depth, but the dish will still be flavorful.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water or a bit of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those special meals that feels like a treat every time you make it. Its simple ingredients come together to create rich, comforting flavors that are perfect for sharing with friends or family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved go-to in your dinner rotation!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta that combines tender chicken breast pieces with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting pasta dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauce
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine
- 1 cup (200 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
- Sauté Shallot and Garlic: Add the finely diced shallot to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Deglaze and Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces slightly and the flavors concentrate.
- Add Cream and Combine: Pour in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to cook and thicken for a few minutes. Then add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining pasta to adjust sauce thickness as needed.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with chicken broth or additional pasta water.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
