Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: An Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Indulge in this easy creamy garlic chicken pasta, generously coated in a luscious parmesan garlic cream sauce. It’s a dish that truly elevates comfort food to a new level.
Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe Works
Garlic chicken pasta is a dream come true for many, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. This recipe combines the universally loved garlic chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and hearty pasta. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even among the pickiest eaters – my youngest daughter devoured it!
This recipe is highly customizable. We’ve added spinach, but you can easily incorporate other ingredients like crispy bacon, tender broccoli, savory mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Detailed measurements, a comprehensive ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredient Information and Substitution Suggestions
Pasta
We opted for ziti pasta, but feel free to use your preferred pasta shape. Excellent alternatives include rotini, mostaccioli, bowties (farfalle), linguine, or spaghetti. Choose a pasta that holds the sauce well for the best experience.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic is ideal for its robust flavor, but jarred minced garlic works perfectly well for convenience. The choice depends on your personal preference and available time.
Cream Sauce
The creamy base relies on heavy whipping cream and parmesan cheese. If needed, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. While regular milk is an option, the resulting sauce will be less rich and thick due to its higher water content. If using milk, simmer the sauce for a longer period to achieve the desired consistency.
Spinach
Fresh raw spinach is preferable, but frozen spinach can be used if thawed and squeezed to remove excess water. Kale makes a great substitute, offering a similar nutritional profile and slightly different flavor. If you’re not a fan of greens, simply omit the spinach altogether.
Seasoning
This recipe uses a flavorful blend of garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. A little goes a long way, so feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. If you have a favorite Italian seasoning blend, that can also be used. You won’t use all the seasoning blend. Store any leftover seasoning mix for future use, or season the chicken with each spice individually.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step
The following step-by-step instructions and photos are designed to guide you through the recipe visually. For a printable version with precise measurements and detailed instructions, jump to the recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Season both sides of the chicken with a portion of the mixture, reserving the remainder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm. You can wrap it in foil or place it in a warm oven to prevent it from drying out.
- Add butter to the same skillet and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
- Pour in heavy whipping cream, add the remaining seasoning blend (to taste), and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in fresh spinach leaves until they wilt and become tender. If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips, and then add it back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
What else can I add to garlic chicken pasta?
This dish is incredibly versatile and lends itself well to numerous additions. Consider incorporating crumbled bacon or pancetta for smoky depth, sautéed mushrooms for earthy notes, sweet peas for a touch of freshness, sun-dried tomatoes for concentrated flavor, red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or broccoli florets for added color and nutritional value.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a wonderful substitute, offering a richer flavor and even juicier texture. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
Can I make it spicy?
Certainly. Add a dash or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the other seasonings. Cayenne pepper is another option for adding heat, but use it sparingly as it can be quite potent.
How do I thicken or thin my sauce?
To thicken the cream sauce, add more grated Parmesan cheese, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, simmer the sauce gently for a few more minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken naturally. To thin the sauce, slowly add a splash of pasta water, stirring constantly, until it reaches your preferred consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help bind the sauce together.
How do you store leftovers?
Allow any leftover creamy garlic chicken pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to help loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic chicken pasta is substantial enough to be enjoyed on its own. However, pairing it with a fresh side salad or crusty bread elevates the meal. I love garnishing the pasta with a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, adding a touch of elegance and flavor. Enjoy!
More Chicken Recipes
- Garlic Chicken
- Chicken Alfredo
- Chicken Carbonara
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken
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Garlic Chicken Pasta
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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