Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights! This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, hearty rice, and gooey melted cheese for a flavor-packed casserole that the whole family will love. It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need something quick, filling, and delicious!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta PIN

 

Table of Contents

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Perfect for Busy Weeknights. This creamy garlic chicken pasta is great for those busy nights when you want a hot meal but you don’t have much time to throw it together. It’s basically a dump-and-bake meal—and the best part is your whole family will love it!
  • Rich and Creamy. While other pasta recipes can end up dry after cooking them, this recipe has a rich, creamy sauce that beautifully coats the pasta and chicken! Not a dry bite in sight!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Fettuccine Pasta: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and chewy texture.
  • Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken, adding flavor and richness.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant flavor.
  • Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, this protein makes the dish filling and delicious.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates the rich and creamy sauce that envelops the pasta.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and depth to the sauce, perfectly complementing the garlic.
  • Fresh Parsley: For garnish, adding freshness and color to the dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

  1. Start by cooking the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add sliced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
  4. Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes to thicken.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Finally, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute until everything is heated through.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy garlic chicken pasta!

Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Use Quality Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken breast will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if cooked too long, so keep an eye on it while sautéing.
  • Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a different flavor profile.

Make-Ahead Instructions

  • You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh before serving for the best texture.
  • The sauce can be made a day in advance. Just reheat gently before adding the pasta.

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • If you plan to freeze the creamy garlic chicken pasta, I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the pasta.
  • To freeze, place the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving with freshly cooked fettuccine.

Reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce.
  • Make sure to stir often to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from burning.

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute fettuccine with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer.

Is this recipe freezable?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately for optimal texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms instead.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat if you like!

 

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Author: Elena Bennett
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
Print Recipe

Description

A quick and creamy garlic chicken pasta that is full of flavor and easy to prepare—perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • Fettuccine Pasta: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and chewy texture.
  • Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken, adding flavor and richness.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant flavor.
  • Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, this protein makes the dish filling and delicious.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates the rich and creamy sauce that envelops the pasta.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and depth to the sauce, perfectly complementing the garlic.
  • Fresh Parsley: For garnish, adding freshness and color to the dish.

Instructions

  1. Start by cooking the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add sliced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
  4. Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes to thicken.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Finally, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute until everything is heated through.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy garlic chicken pasta!

Notes

  • Use Quality Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken breast will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if cooked too long, so keep an eye on it while sautéing.
  • Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 550 calories
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: creamy, garlic, chicken pasta

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