Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. The creamy sauce infused with garlic and rosemary creates a warm, family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts (butterflied into 4 pieces)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream (warmed)
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat and add remaining butter. Sauté garlic until golden.
- Add rosemary, then pour in chicken broth while scraping the pan.
- Stir in cream and simmer for 4 minutes.
- Slice chicken and return to sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add pasta and toss. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta topped with parmesan cheese.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor
- Don’t burn the garlic—it should be golden, not brown
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition
- Use pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Swap rosemary with thyme or parsley
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 24g
FAQ
1. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni all work well.
2. Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze it?
Yes, but the cream sauce may slightly change texture.
5. What protein alternatives can I use?
Try shrimp or grilled turkey instead of chicken.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in sealed container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm on stovetop with a splash of milk or broth
Similar Recipes
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts butterflied into 4 pieces
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 6 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream warmed
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat and add remaining butter. Sauté garlic until golden.
- Add rosemary, then pour in chicken broth while scraping the pan.
- Stir in cream and simmer for 4 minutes.
- Slice chicken and return to sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add pasta and toss. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta topped with parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Swap rosemary with thyme or parsley
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. It’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to become a family favorite.