There’s something undeniably enchanting about the aroma of garlic sizzling in a pan, mingling with tender chicken and a creamy chicken dish that promises comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. I was nervous as they gathered around the table, forks poised and eyes wide with anticipation. When they took their first bites, there were no words—just happy smiles and some serious noodle slurping. This recipe has since become a beloved weeknight staple, perfect for busy evenings or any time you need a little culinary magic.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The creamy pasta with chicken and garlic in 30 minutes is a lifesaver for busy weeknights
- It boasts rich flavors that transform simple ingredients into something special
- Visually stunning, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the stomach!
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences
I once had my friend declare this dish “life-changing” after one bite at our monthly dinner party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 pieces for juicy tenderness; adjust based on your crowd size.
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Fresh Garlic: Use firm bulbs to get the best flavor; crushed garlic adds that punch we crave.
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Pasta of Choice: I recommend fettuccine or penne for their incredible sauce-hugging abilities.
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Heavy Cream: Opt for heavy cream to create that dreamy, velvety sauce—light cream just won’t cut it!
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan; it melts beautifully into the sauce for extra flavor.
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Olive Oil: A good splash will help sauté the chicken and garlic while adding depth.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together; don’t skip them!
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Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds color and freshness as a lovely garnish at the end!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients; chop garlic finely and dice chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. zesty chicken thighs Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown.
Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic once chicken is nearly cooked through—sauté until fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
Cook Your Pasta: While chicken cooks, boil salted water in another pot. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain well. For more inspiration, check out this chicken broccoli orzo recipe.
Create the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with chicken and garlic; let it simmer gently while stirring occasionally until thickened slightly.
Add Pasta and Cheese: Combine cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and mix thoroughly. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and delightful.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired! Enjoy your creamy pasta with chicken and garlic in 30 minutes—it’s sure to impress everyone at your table! quick chicken recipes. For more inspiration, check out this creamy ranch chicken recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- This creamy pasta with chicken and garlic is not just quick; it’s a hug for your taste buds
- The aroma will make you feel like a gourmet chef, even if you’re still in your pajamas
- Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy night in!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create this delightful dish, start by searing the chicken to golden perfection before cooking the pasta while preparing the creamy garlic sauce. gingered chicken recipe Timing is key here; multitask like a pro!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. Don’t be shy about experimenting!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave with a splash of water to keep it creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect creamy texture, always stir in grated cheese off the heat
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente for optimal texture
- For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes while cooking
Sharing this recipe with friends has always brought smiles and compliments my way, especially when they ask for seconds. It’s those little moments that make cooking so fulfilling!
FAQ
Can I make creamy pasta with chicken and garlic ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead but reheat carefully to maintain creaminess.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine or penne are great choices as they hold onto the sauce well.
Can I use different proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp or even plant-based proteins work wonderfully in this recipe.
Creamy Pasta with Chicken and Garlic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy pasta with chicken and garlic is a delightful weeknight meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. This dish features tender pieces of chicken sautéed with aromatic garlic, all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce. Tossed with your favorite pasta and topped with grated Parmesan, it promises to please even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by chopping garlic and dicing chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown.
- Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in another pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; then drain.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet with chicken and garlic, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Combine cooked pasta with creamy sauce and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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