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Easy creamy garlic chicken pasta recipe with tender chicken and Parmesan sauce

Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

This easy creamy garlic chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce for a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
  • 12 ounces pasta such as penne, fettuccine, linguine, or rotini
  • Salt for the pasta water
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly. Add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet and cook gently until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be loosened.
  8. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss gently with the creamy pasta sauce.
  9. Finish with fresh parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan if desired.
  10. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
  • Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer rather than boiling it.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces or pound thick breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest briefly before slicing.
  • Add spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or red pepper flakes to customize the dish.
  • For food safety, chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
  • Freezing is possible, but the cream sauce may change texture after thawing.