Nothing sets the stage for a delightful meal quite like a comforting bowl of creamy garlic chicken pasta. The perfect combination of tender chicken, rich cream, and garlic makes this dish a surefire hit in any home. But what pairs well with it? Perhaps a crisp side salad or some warm garlic bread?
Or maybe a glass of white wine to enhance the creamy flavors? Each of these choices complements the dish beautifully, creating a dining experience to remember.
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Why This Recipe Rocks
I first stumbled upon the joy of creamy garlic chicken pasta during a busy week when I needed something quick yet impressive. The flavors seemed to dance together in a magical way, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish.
Who doesn’t love a meal that feels a little indulgent without consuming half the day to prepare? This recipe is not just easy; it’s versatile. You can adapt it to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand.
The best part? You can prepare it in around 30 minutes! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday gatherings. Plus, the leftovers—oh, they’re even better! If you’re like me and love a dish that tastes fantastic the next day, this one will not disappoint.
How I’ve Used the Ingredients
Let’s dive into the goodies that make this dish sing. Every ingredient has its own role, adding to the overall experience of creamy garlic chicken pasta.
- Chicken Breast – I love using boneless, skinless chicken for its tenderness. Cutting it into bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly.
- Pasta – I often choose fusilli for its curly shape. Those little spirals catch the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Shallots and Garlic – These two add a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. The shallots lend a hint of sweetness while the garlic provides that aromatic punch.
- Heavy Cream – Ah, the star of the show! The cream gives the dish its silky texture. For an extra indulgent experience, I sometimes use double cream.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated fresh Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cream.
- Seasonings – A dash of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a hint of lemon zest brighten up the dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious pasta to life:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta (any shape of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup (75 ml) dry white wine
- 1 cup (200 ml) heavy cream (or double cream for a richer texture)
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a fresh citrusy kick)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild touch of heat)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your creamy garlic chicken pasta masterpiece.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the instructions just to be safe. Once done, drain and set aside, saving a bit of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic
Now, in the same skillet, toss in the chopped shallot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds; you want the garlic fragrant but not burnt.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift all those flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the wine reduces by half. This adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, letting it combine with the wine and shallot mixture. After a minute or two, add the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If it’s too thick, you can stir in a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired sauciness.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing to coat it in that luscious sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well. Let it all simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Finally, add the chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and the lemon zest if you’re using it. Stir everything together one last time. Adjust seasoning if necessary with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Recipe Notes
Understanding each ingredient can elevate your cooking game. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:
- Chicken Breast – A lean protein source that cooks quickly; consider marinating it in Italian herbs for an hour for infused flavor.
- Pasta – Choose any shape; sometimes I swap in whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier spin.
- Olive Oil and Butter – The combination gives a balanced fat content, offering rich flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Shallots vs. Onions – Shallots provide a milder taste compared to onions. If you love onion, a sweet onion will also work well.
- Heavy Cream – Using half-and-half or a dairy substitute can work in a pinch, though the creaminess may vary.
- Parmesan – Always choose freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-clumping agents that affect meltability.
Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few tasty twists you can try:
- Vegetarian Version – Substitute chicken for sautéed mushrooms or spinach to keep it hearty.
- Add Veggies – Toss in broccoli, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or fresh red chili for a heat boost.
- Herb Variations – Fresh basil or thyme can give an entirely new flavor profile.
- Lemon Chicken – Increase the lemon zest and juice for a tangier touch — perfect for summer days!
- Cream Cheese Addition – Mix in an 8 oz block of cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10.5 oz 300 g pasta (any shape of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon 20 g unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup 75 ml dry white wine
- 1 cup 200 ml heavy cream (or double cream for a richer texture)
- ½ cup 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- A handful of fresh parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional, for a fresh citrusy kick
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a mild touch of heat
Instructions
- Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your creamy garlic chicken pasta masterpiece.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the instructions just to be safe. Once done, drain and set aside, saving a bit of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic
- Now, in the same skillet, toss in the chopped shallot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds; you want the garlic fragrant but not burnt.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift all those flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the wine reduces by half. This adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, letting it combine with the wine and shallot mixture. After a minute or two, add the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If it’s too thick, you can stir in a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired sauciness.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing to coat it in that luscious sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well. Let it all simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs
- Finally, add the chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and the lemon zest if you’re using it. Stir everything together one last time. Adjust seasoning if necessary with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Notes
- Chicken Breast – A lean protein source that cooks quickly; consider marinating it in Italian herbs for an hour for infused flavor.
- Pasta – Choose any shape; sometimes I swap in whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier spin.
- Olive Oil and Butter – The combination gives a balanced fat content, offering rich flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Shallots vs. Onions – Shallots provide a milder taste compared to onions. If you love onion, a sweet onion will also work well.
- Heavy Cream – Using half-and-half or a dairy substitute can work in a pinch, though the creaminess may vary.
- Parmesan – Always choose freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-clumping agents that affect meltability.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta will do. Fusilli, penne, or spaghetti all work beautifully in this dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze the pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta. However, the cream may change texture when thawed. Consider freezing the sauce and pasta separately.
What wine do you recommend for cooking?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully. Just remember: don’t use a wine you wouldn’t drink!
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy texture and mild flavors make it a hit with kids. You can adjust seasoning to taste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic chicken pasta has quickly become one of my favorite dishes, not just for its flavor but for its ease of preparation. Every time I make it, I think of the many ways it can be modified to suit any palate.
Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy dinner for two, or just a weeknight meal, it’s a dish that never lets me down.
So why not grab those ingredients and whip up this delightful recipe? I guarantee it will become a beloved staple in your meal rotation, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking!
