The Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy garlic chicken pasta represents the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknight dinners.

Rich, velvety sauces revolutionize ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Professional chefs understand the magic of blending simple elements with sophisticated techniques.

Home cooks can master this elegant dish without complicated skills or expensive equipment.

garlic adds depth and warmth, creating layers of complex flavor that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this delightful combination of protein, pasta, and silky sauce.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance of textures and tantalizing aromas.

Storing Garlic Pasta to Keep It Creamy the Next Day

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and sauce to maintain texture.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Restoration: Gently reheat pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding extra liquid if needed. This method helps preserve the creamy sauce's consistency and prevents pasta from becoming mushy.

Pairing Suggestions That Round Out Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Spark Wine Harmony: Pair this creamy garlic chicken pasta with a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the richness of the sauce while complementing the garlic and chicken flavors.
• Craft the Perfect Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creaminess. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will refresh your palate between bites.
• Elevate with Bread Companions: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia alongside the pasta. These bread options will help soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy dish.
• Brighten with Fresh Herb Touch: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or add some chopped basil on top to bring a vibrant, fresh element that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and adds a pop of color to the plate.

Flavor Adjustments and Add-Ons to Keep It Fresh Every Time

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace garlic powder with za'atar seasoning and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Swap paprika for chipotle powder, incorporate diced jalapeños, and top with cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Herb Garden Blend: Infuse the sauce with fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil, then garnish with toasted pine nuts for an aromatic herbaceous take on the classic recipe.
• Mushroom Lovers' Edition: Sauté sliced cremini or wild mushrooms with the garlic, creating an earthy depth and adding extra umami to the creamy pasta dish.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta That Delivers Comfort in Every Bite

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This pasta dish delivers a luxurious, velvety sauce that hugs each pasta piece with rich, indulgent goodness perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
• Amplify Flavor Layers: Combining garlic, spices, and creamy sauce creates a complex taste profile that dances between subtle heat from red pepper flakes and smooth, tangy cream elements.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families wanting a delicious meal without complicated preparation steps.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Professional cooking techniques like searing chicken and creating a smooth sauce transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that feels elegant yet approachable.

Ingredient List for a Cozy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bowl

• Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates the main star of the dish, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that adds deep flavor and enhances chicken's natural taste.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential cooking fats that help brown chicken and create rich, golden exterior.

• Farfalle Pasta: Bow-tie shaped pasta that holds creamy sauce beautifully, perfect for capturing flavors.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates smooth sauce base with rich, slightly nutty undertone.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh, aromatic ingredient that provides intense, authentic garlic flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and subtle warmth to the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base with savory depth for sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes luxurious, silky texture to sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that balances richness of cream.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, green color and light herbal notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich topping that enhances overall dish flavor.

Instructions to Make a Creamy Pasta with Bold Garlic Flavor

Step 1: Prep the Liquid Stage

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil for cooking pasta.

Ensure water is adequately seasoned with salt for enhancing pasta flavor.

Step 2: Season Chicken Tenderly

Arrange chicken tenders on a clean surface.

Pat chicken completely dry using paper towels.

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Sizzle and Cook Chicken

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and butter, allowing butter to melt and sizzle.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.

Transfer chicken to a warm plate, keeping it tender.

Step 4: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Drop farfalle pasta into boiling water.

Cook until slightly firmer than package instructions recommend.

Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking water.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Sauce

Use the same skillet from chicken cooking.

Melt butter and add olive oil.

• Minced garlic
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes

Step 6: Develop Sauce Complexity

Sprinkle flour into the skillet, stirring until no dry spots remain.

Slowly whisk in chicken broth, creating a smooth mixture.

Cook until sauce bubbles and thickens.

Step 7: Enhance Sauce Creaminess

Pour heavy cream into the skillet.

Add a splash of fresh lemon juice.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer drained pasta directly into sauce.

Toss gently to coat every pasta piece.

Allow pasta to finish cooking in sauce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 9: Add Chicken and Garnish

Slice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Arrange chicken over creamy pasta.

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Shaved Parmesan cheese

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon pasta into warm serving bowls.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this delightful dish.

Notes for Tender Chicken, Creamy Sauce, and Just-Right Noodles

• Pat Chicken Dry: Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and perfect searing.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Adjust garlic amounts based on personal preference, using fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor profile.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the creamy sauce, preventing mushy noodles.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Whisk chicken broth slowly and steadily to avoid lumps, creating a silky smooth sauce every single time.
• Cheese Enhancement: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic chicken pasta brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. Silky sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly al dente pasta, creating a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453 g) chicken tenders, or chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips

Seasonings for Chicken:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 g) farfalle pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 to 8 large garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (300 g) chicken broth
• ⅓ cup (75 g) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, adjust to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water for pasta cooking, ensuring a perfect boil for the farfalle.
2. Carefully pat chicken tenders dry and create a robust seasoning blend using garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Warm a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, creating a golden searing environment for the chicken.
4. Cook chicken until exterior turns a rich golden brown and interior reaches complete doneness, then transfer to a warm plate.
5. Submerge farfalle into boiling water, cooking slightly less than package instructions to maintain an al dente texture.
6. Utilize the same skillet to craft a fragrant base by melting butter and adding olive oil, then introducing minced garlic, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
7. Sprinkle flour into the aromatic mixture, stirring thoroughly to eliminate dry pockets, then gradually incorporate chicken broth for a silky smooth consistency.
8. Allow sauce to bubble and thicken, developing a rich, creamy foundation.
9. Introduce heavy cream and a bright splash of lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
10. Transfer drained pasta directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating and allowing pasta to finish cooking within the creamy mixture.
11. Slice cooked chicken into elegant bite-sized pieces, artfully arranging over the pasta.
12. Plate the creamy pasta, garnishing with fresh parsley and a generous shower of shaved Parmesan cheese.
13. Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious blend of creamy texture and vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Culinary adventure starts with perfectly seasoned chicken, ensuring each tender bite bursts with garlic and spice sensations.
• Transforming simple ingredients into a creamy pasta masterpiece requires strategic cooking techniques that elevate everyday meal prep.
• Balancing rich cream sauce with bright lemon undertones creates a harmonious flavor profile that surprises and delights taste buds with unexpected complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg