Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is an easy, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, pasta, Parmesan, garlic, and a rich creamy sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
- 2 chicken breasts (about 400 g), sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes, turning as necessary, until golden and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet.
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add Parmesan and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is coated in the garlic-Parmesan sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan, then serve immediately.
Tips: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. Avoid boiling the cream aggressively after adding the cheese, as gentle heat produces a smoother sauce.