Go Back
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta - Treat Indulgently

When I first stumbled upon creamy garlic chicken pasta, I thought, “Why didn’t I discover this sooner?” Imagine tender chicken bathing in a velvety sauce that’s bursting with garlicky goodness. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for family dinners or even a romantic date night. 
Throughout this article, I’ll guide you through this incredible recipe, share my firsthand experiences, and provide helpful tips to make this dish the star of any meal. Let's dig in!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 631
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 10 ounces uncooked pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and chop the spinach and tomatoes. This organization makes the cooking process a bit smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, boil salted water and add your pasta. Cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set it aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic powder. 
    Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute or until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir. 
    Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes. The cream should thicken a bit. Stir in the Italian herb blend and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the diced tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir to combine. Add the drained pasta, mixing everything well. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Lemon Zest
  1. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts into the sauce. Finally, fold in the lemon zest to elevate the flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Plate your creamy garlic chicken pasta, maybe with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and black pepper on top. Dig in with your garlic bread and a side salad, and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Don’t Skip the Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Powdered garlic is handy, but nothing beats the aroma of freshly minced garlic.
  • Chicken Alternatives: Consider using shrimp or sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken for different protein options or for a vegetarian version.
  • Dairy-Free Version: For a lighter dish, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
  • Pasta Choice Matters: Opt for pasta that holds sauces well, like penne or farfalle. They’re great for capturing those creamy bits.
  • Add Vegetables: Besides spinach and tomatoes, feel free to toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or even asparagus for extra nutrition and color.