This garlic chicken pasta recipe features tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta drenched in a rich, creamy sauce! It’s comfort food made easy for any night.
This Garlic Chicken Pasta features a rich, buttery garlic sauce and comes together in under 20 minutes—making it the ultimate quick and cozy dinner. Despite its simple ingredients and fast prep, it tastes like a dish that took much longer to make.
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The chicken is tender and packed with flavor, and the garlic butter sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. These garlicky noodles with juicy chicken are sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Fix: When hunger strikes and time is short, this garlic chicken pasta dish comes to the rescue. It’s ready in a flash!
- No Fuss, Just Flavor: Simple steps mean less stress and more time enjoying a truly delicious dish.
- Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this meal feel like a warm hug. It’s pure comfort food.
- Pantry Friendly: Made with everyday items, so it’s easy to whip up anytime.
- Always a Winner: Whether it’s a family dinner or a solo treat, this pasta always hits the spot.
- Check out this Buffalo Chicken Pasta for another creamy pasta dinner recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for the full garlic chicken pasta recipe.
First, we typically use whole wheat pasta when making pasta. Feel free to choose any shape. If your family is gluten free, choose gluten free pasta.
Cut the chicken breast into 1 inch pieces. Use thawed, not frozen, chicken.
The sauce gets creamy from the whole milk.
Parmesan cheese also helps thicken the sauce. In addition, it adds the most delicious cheesy flavor.
Minced garlic is a fresh and easy way to add the garlicky flavor. We highly recommend using freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
Season the chicken with sea salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Lastly, coat the skillet with butter for the best flavor. We also love using ghee in this recipe.
Taste & Texture
This garlic chicken pasta is creamy and delicious! The chicken pieces are tender and juicy. They pair perfectly with the pasta, which is cooked to just the right al dente bite. The real star is the luscious, creamy sauce.
It’s bursting with the warm, inviting flavor of garlic and the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and delicious combination that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
How to Make
Step 1
First, cut the chicken into 1 inch pieces. Toss with the seasonings until fully coated.
Step 2
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse.
Step 3
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add in the seasoned chicken.
Step 4
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until almost cooked through.
Step 5
Then, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
Step 6
Add in the milk and cheese. Stir until the sauce has thickened.
Step 7
Stir in the drained pasta until fully coated in the sauce.
Step 8
Finally, serve this garlic chicken pasta!
Expert Tips for Success
Want to make this garlic chicken pasta even better? These simple tips will help you create a perfect meal every time.
- Even Chicken, Even Cook: Make sure to cut your chicken into similar 1-inch pieces. This helps everything cook at the same rate, keeping it tender and juicy.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Add the minced garlic after the chicken has cooked for a few minutes. This prevents it from burning and turning bitter.
- Sauce Science: Remember, the sauce will thicken as it cooks and cools. If you like it a bit looser, a splash of extra milk or even some reserved pasta water when you’re stirring in the pasta.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta until it’s “al dente” – firm to the bite. This way, it holds up well in the sauce and doesn’t get mushy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
While this Garlic Chicken Pasta is fantastic on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Veggies Welcome: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking, or add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or steamed broccoli florets with the chicken.
- A Hint of Heat: Craving a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce will wake up your taste buds.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or chives just before serving adds a bright, fresh finish.
- Cheesy Adventures: Try swapping out some of the Parmesan for mozzarella, or even a spoonful of cream cheese for an extra creamy twist.
- Protein Swap: This recipe is also wonderful with shrimp or even chickpeas if you prefer a meatless option.
How to Serve & Store
Serving: This garlic chicken pasta is a complete meal by itself! For a little extra, serve it with a crisp side salad and some warm, crusty whole wheat bread to soak up every last bit of that amazing sauce. A final sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a grind of black pepper always make it extra special.
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm up on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water will bring the sauce back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the garlic. You can add more to taste.
If your sauce is too thick, simply stir in a splash more milk (or even a little reserved pasta water) until it’s just right. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for another minute or two, stirring, and it should thicken up.
While whole milk gives the creamiest sauce, you can use 2% milk. Skim milk might make the sauce a bit thinner, so if you use it, you might need to simmer the sauce a little longer for it to thicken.
You can try other hard, grateable cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or even a mix of Italian cheeses. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious.
Equipment Needed
Wooden Spoon: Mix the chicken and cheese sauce with a wooden spoon.
Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this garlic chicken pasta recipe.
Strainer: Strain the pasta with this colander.
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