Go Back
To make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, gather these ingredients: - 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) You will need a few tools to prepare this dish: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Colander for draining pasta - Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - Cutting board and knife for slicing chicken - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste: - Swap fettuccine for penne or rotini for a fun shape. - Use chicken thighs for a juicier option. - Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version. - Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition. - For a vegan version, use tofu and plant-based cream options. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, move the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips. In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to mix everything well. Increase the heat to bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some spice. Stir continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to adjust the texture. Next, slice the rested chicken breasts and place them over the pasta. For a fresh touch, garnish with finely chopped parsley. Serve this dish warm and enjoy every creamy bite! To make a great sauce, start with fresh ingredients. Use heavy cream for a rich taste. Stir often as the sauce simmers. If it gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This helps you control the sauce's texture. Keep it creamy and smooth. Herbs bring life to your dish. Use fresh parsley for a bright finish. Italian seasoning adds depth to the sauce. For a kick, red pepper flakes work well. You can also try fresh basil or oregano. They give a nice twist to the classic flavor. Cooking chicken properly is key for safety and taste. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's temperature. It should reach 165°F. Cook it until golden brown on both sides. Let it rest before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making the chicken tender and juicy. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. It should have a slight bite to it and will also hold up better when mixed with the sauce. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful when sliced. Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If your sauce gets too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This will help keep it creamy without diluting the flavor. Enhancing Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic. Let it reduce slightly before adding the cream and broth. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian by replacing the chicken. Use mushrooms instead for a hearty bite. Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil until soft. They will add a rich flavor to the sauce. You can also add some protein by using chickpeas or tofu. Both options will keep the meal filling and delicious. Adding vegetables enhances the dish's nutrition and color. You could mix in bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Simply chop them and add them to the skillet with the garlic. Cook them until they are tender. Spinach is already in the recipe, but feel free to add kale or peas for extra greens. These additions make the dish even more vibrant and tasty. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste good. You can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter meal. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on what you use. These swaps keep the dish enjoyable while meeting dietary needs. To keep your creamy garlic chicken pasta fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to avoid any air getting in. This keeps the flavors intact. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often to warm evenly. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps keep the pasta moist and creamy. Want to save some for later? You can freeze creamy garlic chicken pasta. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta work great. The key is to cook it al dente, just like you do with fettuccine or spaghetti. Feel free to experiment with shapes you enjoy. Each type adds its own charm to the dish. To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Just remember, spicy flavors can build up. Start small and taste as you go. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, coconut milk works well too. You can also blend silken tofu with a bit of water for a creamy texture. Each substitute will change the flavor a bit, but they can still make a tasty dish. This guide covered the key ingredients and steps to make a creamy pasta dish. You learned how to cook the pasta, prepare the chicken, and create a creamy sauce. I included tips to perfect the texture and enhance flavors. You also discovered variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right knowledge. Now you can get creative with this recipe and enjoy delicious meals at home.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Delight

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic, and spinach, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 2 red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.
  • While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  • Using the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn, as burned garlic can become bitter.
  • Carefully pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Once simmering, add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce begins to thicken, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  • Toss the cooked pasta and chopped spinach into the sauce, mixing everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to lighten the consistency to your liking.
  • Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them neatly over the pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor before serving.

Notes

For an elegant display, serve the pasta in deep, wide bowls. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper and additional parsley to enhance both the flavor and visual appeal of the dish.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, garlic, pasta