Irresistible Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe Made Simple

When you want a comforting dinner that delivers serious flavor, this creamy garlic chicken pasta will become your new go-to meal.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among silky pasta strands coated in a luxurious sauce.

Fragrant garlic infuses every single bite with rich, mouthwatering depth.

The combination of simple ingredients creates something truly magical on your plate.

Weeknight cooking gets a delicious upgrade with this straightforward yet impressive dish.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of creamy, savory goodness that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this restaurant-quality meal comes together in your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 560 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Tenders, Chicken Breasts: Lean protein providing hearty texture and rich flavor, choose fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for best results. Look for plump, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and tender bite.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that infuse deep, smoky warmth and enhance chicken's natural taste, selecting fresh spices guarantees maximum flavor impact.

• Farfalle Pasta: Butterfly-shaped pasta that captures sauce beautifully, select high-quality durum wheat variety for authentic texture.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Lemon Juice: Liquid foundation creating silky, tangy sauce with luxurious mouthfeel, choose low-sodium broth and fresh cream for balanced flavor profile.

• Garlic Cloves, Red Pepper Flakes: Intense flavor boosters adding zesty kick and depth, choose firm, firm garlic bulbs with tight, unbruised skin.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base providing depth and preventing sticking, opt for high-quality unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil.
• Fresh Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Vibrant garnish adding freshness and salty complexity, select bright green parsley and freshly grated parmesan for maximum taste.

Equipment Checklist for Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Large Skillet: Your main cooking vessel for browning chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Perfect for slicing chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Colander: Drains pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.

Directions for Creamy Chicken Pasta Dish

• Chicken Preparation

Grab some chicken tenders and create a flavor explosion with a sprinkle of spices. Make the meat dance with seasoning that brings out its natural yumminess.

• Skillet Magic

Warm up a pan and transform the chicken into golden treasures. The sizzle tells you magic is happening as the meat turns perfectly crispy and delicious.

• Sauce Creation

Melt butter in the same pan where chicken performed its magic. Invite garlic and pepper flakes to a flavor party that will make your taste buds sing with excitement.

• Creamy Transformation

Whisk chicken broth and cream into a silky smooth sauce that hugs every pasta curve. Let the liquid become something extraordinary right before your eyes.

• Pasta Embrace

Drop pasta into the creamy sauce and let them get cozy together. Let each noodle absorb the rich, velvety goodness until they’re perfectly tender.

• Final Touch

Slice the golden chicken into bite-sized pieces and nestle them over the pasta. Shower the dish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will make everyone swoon.

• Serving Delight

Scoop the creamy, dreamy pasta into bowls and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation. Enjoy immediately while the flavors are singing their most delicious song.

Cooking Tips for Garlic Cream Sauce

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Protein Power: Swap chicken tenders with grilled shrimp, sliced Italian sausage, or roasted turkey for a delightful protein twist that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Veggie Boost: Enhance nutrition by stirring in sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or crispy asparagus pieces directly into the creamy sauce for extra color and flavor complexity.
• Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a dash of cayenne pepper. For milder palates, reduce spice or skip entirely while maintaining the garlic's robust taste profile.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp pecorino, creamy goat cheese, or smoky gouda instead of traditional Parmesan to create unique flavor experiences that surprise your taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and chicken separately, storing them in airtight containers for up to three days. When ready to serve, quickly reheat and combine for a fast, delicious meal that tastes freshly made.

How to Serve Chicken Garlic Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Arrange the creamy pasta in a large serving dish, creating an inviting family-style presentation that encourages sharing and conversation around the table.
• Gourmet Garnish Celebration: Elevate the dish with extra fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add texture, brightness, and a restaurant-quality finish.
• Complementary Side Pairings: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the rich, creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the main dish.
• Wine and Dine Experience: Pair with a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the garlic and creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with a sophisticated touch.

Refrigeration Tips for Pasta with Garlic Cream

• Smart Portioning: Divide this creamy chicken pasta into individual meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Perfect for office workers or busy families needing quick, delicious meals.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pasta in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and sauce separate from pasta to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy noodles from absorbing excess moisture.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze sauce and chicken separately from pasta for best results. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold pasta by adding a small amount of chicken broth or cream while warming on the stovetop. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and help sauce redistribute evenly, bringing back that fresh-made taste and silky texture.

Irresistible Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting Tuscan-style garlic chicken pasta delivers rich, silky flavors with simple ingredients. Parmesan cheese and herbs elevate this hearty meal so you can savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (453 g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 8 oz (227 g) farfalle pasta
• 6 to 8 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 3 tbsps)
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (300 g) chicken broth
• ⅓ cup (75 g) heavy cream
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prep Foundations: Season chicken tenders with a robust blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring thorough coverage while bringing a large salted water pot to a vigorous boil.
2. Sear and Elevate: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden environment to cook chicken until perfectly caramelized and cooked through, then set aside on a warm plate.
3. Pasta Precision: Immerse farfalle in boiling water, cooking slightly under package instructions to maintain an ideal al dente texture, then drain while reserving some cooking liquid.
4. Sauce Symphony: In the same skillet, melt butter and olive oil, infusing with minced garlic, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes; sprinkle flour to create a smooth base, gradually whisking in chicken broth until a luxurious sauce emerges.
5. Creamy Transformation: Simmer sauce until thickened, incorporating heavy cream and a zesty lemon juice splash, seasoning with salt and pepper to amplify the flavor complexity.
6. Culinary Assembly: Fold pasta directly into the velvety sauce, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors; slice chicken into elegant morsels and nestle atop the creamy pasta.
7. Final Flourish: Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous cascade of shaved Parmesan cheese, serving immediately to capture the dish’s vibrant essence and harmonious textures.

Notes

• Chicken Seasoning Tip: Create a robust blend with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor infusion.
• Pasta Cooking Hack: Slightly undercook pasta to achieve perfect al dente texture, allowing it to finish in the creamy sauce.
• Skillet Magic: Reuse the same skillet after chicken searing to build layers of deep, rich flavor in the sauce.
• Sauce Consistency Secret: Gradually add chicken broth and stir continuously to prevent flour lumps and create a silky smooth sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg