Rating: 3.75
(217)

Garlic Chicken Pasta

October 5, 2023

Welcome to the world of mouthwatering flavors and comforting aromas with our Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe. This dish is a delightful combination of tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together in a creamy and savory sauce. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe is guaranteed to impress both yourself and your guests.

Garlic Chicken Pasta has gained immense popularity among food lovers due to its irresistible taste and ease of preparation. This recipe has become a crowd favorite at family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Its versatile nature allows you to customize the flavors according to your preferences, making it suitable for a wide range of palates.

Giving you both taste and health, our Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe offers several nutritious benefits. Garlic, renowned for its medicinal properties, is known to boost the immune system and promote heart health. The lean chicken provides a good source of protein while keeping the dish relatively low in fat. Adding this recipe to your meal rotation allows you to enjoy a satisfying and wholesome dish without compromising on your well-being.

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Chicken Pasta, you will need:

  • Chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
  • Garlic cloves
  • Pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Follow these easy steps to prepare Garlic Chicken Pasta:

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add the chicken and cook until it is no longer pink in the center.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
  6. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
  7. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley.
  11. Serve hot and enjoy!

This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion and guarantees to satisfy your taste buds. Give it a try and experience the magic of this delicious and wholesome meal.

Garlic Chicken Pasta
Garlic Chicken Pasta
3.75 from 217 votes
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe, which brings together the richness of garlic, the succulence of chicken, and the comforting texture of pasta.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tomato diced
  • 2 cups spinach fresh
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese grated

Instructions
 

  • Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta al dente according to package instructions.
  • Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken breasts for 5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • To the same pan, add butter and garlic; cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the tomato and spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes or until soft and wilted.
  • Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Whisk until fully incorporated and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  • Drain pasta and slice chicken into thin slices or cubes, then return to the same pan. Stir to combine and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 26gFat: 31gFiber: 3g
Calories: 560kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: chicken, pasta
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar franklin.bruen1961 says:

    1 star
    How can u cook chicken for 5 mins? It can’t be done. 🤨

    1. User avatar judie.schuppe32 says:

      5 stars
      I’ve made this before, and the chicken really does cook in 5 mins! Just make sure the heat is high enough and it’s sliced thin.

    2. User avatar roselle.hudson89 says:

      2 stars
      Nah, I don’t believe that. Chicken needs at least 10 mins! Me cooking chicken too long, it’s always dry. 😂

  2. 1 star
    The chicken was undercooked. Make sure to check your temps! Not good.

  3. 3 stars
    It was okay, but I think it could use more flavor. I added extra garlic but still felt bland.

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get what you mean! I felt the same when I made it. Maybe try adding some crushed red pepper or a splash of lemon juice next time? It really makes a difference!

    2. User avatar sunny.dibbert78 says:

      2 stars
      Nah, it was fine for me! Maybe it’s just your taste buds. Garlic is strong enough, right? 🤷‍♂️

  4. 4 stars
    Yummy in my tummy! Simple and quick! 👌

  5. 4 stars
    Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about cooking the garlic just 1 minute—thought it would taste raw. But it smelled amazing and mellowed out in the cream.

  6. User avatar winnie.beahan45 says:

    4 stars
    Is 1 cup of heavy cream really necessary? That seems like a lot. I used half that and it still was good.

    1. User avatar Ava Moen says:

      4 stars
      I agree, that much cream sounds excessive! I think half is plenty. Plus, it lightens it up a bit. 😊

    2. 2 stars
      Nah, you gotta stick to the recipe. The cream gives it that rich flavor, if you ask me! Can’t skimp on taste!

  7. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    2 stars
    I thought it was bland. Needs more spices.

  8. User avatar jon.schimmel says:

    3 stars
    Sounds good, but isn’t garlic chicken pasta basically just alfredo? What’s the diff?

    1. User avatar shanika.lang98 says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean, but garlic chicken pasta has actual chicken and fresh veggies! Alfredo is just creamy goodness. It’s different, trust me!

  9. User avatar indira.corwin37 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic! So creamy and delicious! My family loved it!

  10. User avatar alethea.swaniawski says:

    5 stars
    This is giving restaurant vibes. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes and it tasted even better. Definitely making again!

    1. User avatar San Shenlong says:

      5 stars
      Yes! That creamy garlic sauce + pasta combo is so “date night” in a pan. Red pepper flakes sound perfect—adding that little kick is exactly what I’d do too.

    2. User avatar rich.landlord says:

      3 stars
      Restaurant vibes? Maybe 😅 I made this but I think I cooked the chicken too long. Also I used crushed red pepper instead of “red pepper flakes” (same thing right?). Still decent, could’ve been more garlicky but I’d try again.

  11. DELICIOUS! DIDN’T HAVE SUN DRIED TOMATOES BUT IT WAS STILL. MY FAMILY LOVED IT

  12. 2 stars
    Followed the recipe, it taste like pasta with chicken, nothing special. Maybe I just have high standards…

  13. 5 stars
    Yum! I wanna swim in the sauce!

  14. User avatar manuel.boyle83 says:

    3 stars
    Looks good, but 1 tsp salt in the whole recipe seems low for me. I added more and it tasted way better. Also I used dried spinach? (dont judge) and it still turned out okay.

  15. User avatar Mahalia Blanda III says:

    4 stars
    Followed it exactly and the sauce thickened nicely, but my chicken was slightly dry. Maybe my breasts were smaller—next time I’ll check doneness earlier.

  16. User avatar minh.dare1954 says:

    5 stars
    Such a great dish! Made it for my boyfriend and he was so impressed. Perfect date night meal!

  17. User avatar zack.witting2004 says:

    2 stars
    The garlic is too overpowering for my taste. Next time, I’ll use less.

    1. User avatar federico.schowalter2000 says:

      4 stars
      I actually love garlic, but I get it. Maybe try adding more of something else to balance it out? Like more cream? 🤔

  18. User avatar lelah.legros23 says:

    4 stars
    Garlic good, chicken good, pasta fine. It’s all good, right?

    1. User avatar rosario.braun2023 says:

      5 stars
      Absolutely! Garlic and chicken make everything better! Can’t wait to try this.

  19. User avatar glady.cummerata says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I added some mushrooms too. Turned out delicious! 5 stars!

    1. User avatar porfirio.weimann68 says:

      5 stars
      Sounds amazing! I love that you added mushrooms. They give such a nice flavor. Definitely trying this soon!

    2. User avatar darcel.sporer24 says:

      3 stars
      Mushrooms? Really? I don’t think that mix would go well with the chicken. But hey, if you liked it, that’s what matters!

  20. User avatar donny.emmerich31 says:

    4 stars
    Quick and easy dinner. Perfect for a busy night! 🍝

  21. User avatar merlin.gislason says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know about garlic powder, is fresh garlic better? Kinda confused on that part. It turned out ok, but coulda been better.

  22. 5 stars
    Made this tonight and it was super comforting. The sauce turned out nice and creamy, and the garlic flavor actually came through without being overpowering. I used penne and it worked great.

  23. 2 stars
    Not sure about the paprika—felt a little random. Maybe I used the wrong kind? If you’re sensitive to spices, go lighter. Still decent overall.

    1. 4 stars
      I was thinking the same thing about the paprika—mine was a bit overpowering at first. I switched to a sweet/mild paprika and it blended way better. Agree with going lighter if you’re not into spice.

    2. User avatar sean.cartwright20 says:

      3 stars
      Honestly I just use whatever paprika I have (smoked) and it works, but maybe that’s why you felt it was random. Maybe try smoked paprika or skip it next time. The cream + parmesan still makes it great.

  24. 5 stars
    Yum! So cheesy and rich, just how I like it. Thanks for sharing!

    1. User avatar belia.von45 says:

      5 stars
      I tried it and it’s amazing! Totally agree with you, the cheese makes it so good!

  25. User avatar Miss Austin Stanton says:

    2 stars
    Pasta is pasta, right? Not that special, just boiled noodles and chicken for me. Disappointed. 😒

  26. User avatar samuel.langworth1967 says:

    4 stars
    Really? You need 4 cloves of garlic? That’s a lot! I’ll just use 2 and see if it’s still good.

    1. User avatar joel.heller says:

      3 stars
      2 cloves? I dunno, that seems kinda weak! Garlic really brings the flavor. You might wanna try it as written.

    2. User avatar markus.rogahn10 says:

      5 stars
      I think 4 cloves is perfect for garlic lovers! But hey, everyone’s taste is different. Let us know how it turns out with 2!

  27. 3 stars
    I followed it exactly and it was… fine. The sauce tasted a bit bland until I salted again. Otherwise nice texture though—very “restaurant-y”.

    1. User avatar kerry.parisian1958 says:

      4 stars
      Totally hear you—cream + parm needs a bit more salt for me too. I usually do another pinch at the very end and it really wakes up the garlic/tomato.

  28. User avatar ernie.rippin1984 says:

    1 star
    I’ll pass. Seems too rich and not healthy for my diet. 🥴

  29. 3 stars
    Not bad, but I found it a little bland. I ended up adding more salt and a pinch of chili flakes. The sauce is creamy though—would make again with tweaks.

  30. User avatar delilah.christiansen says:

    3 stars
    My cream split a little when I added it (maybe my heat was too high). Still tasted good, just looked kinda weird—will try lower heat next time.

  31. User avatar ione.tremblay1960 says:

    4 stars
    Cream and parmesan sounds like it could split, but it didn’t! I whisked it slow after reducing heat like the instructions. Good call on using low heat.

  32. User avatar sebrina.bahringer says:

    5 stars
    OMG, this was SO good! My family loved it, even my picky kid! 💖

  33. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The flavors were on point. My whole family loved it! Will definitely make again.

  34. User avatar mariel.keeling says:

    5 stars
    Made this tonight—so creamy and garlicky without being heavy. I used penne and added a little black pepper at the end. Tasted like a restaurant dish!

  35. User avatar joe_banana says:

    3 stars
    Flavor 10/10, but it felt like way more sauce than pasta could hold (I used 8oz pasta like it says). Maybe I should’ve used less cream or more pasta.

  36. 4 stars
    Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about adding tomato with cream. But it actually works. I’d reduce the tomato a touch next time.

  37. User avatar manual.runte1985 says:

    2 stars
    I tried this recipe, and the chicken cooked too fast! I burnt it, ugh. Maybe reduce the heat next time?

  38. User avatar chi.armstrong26 says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, 5 minutes per side felt like a gamble for my chicken (thicker breasts). I ended up simmering a bit longer, but once it was right, the dish was delicious.

  39. User avatar leah.christiansen57 says:

    3 stars
    umm i didnt have heavy cream so i used milk & it was not the same. still good tho. would make again when i have the cream.

    1. User avatar Miles Teg says:

      4 stars
      That’s actually super helpful—cream substitutions can totally change the texture. Milk works, but I’d expect it to be a bit thinner. Glad it still tasted good though!

  40. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    5 stars
    This was soooo good! My kids loved it.

  41. 1 star
    Garlic chicken pasta? Sounds like something a chef would make! I’m just a microwave person.

    1. 5 stars
      You’d be surprised! It’s actually super easy to make and so much tastier than microwave meals. Give it a shot!

  42. User avatar jack.johnson says:

    5 stars
    Loved it! Easy to make and full of flavor. Will definitely make again. Thanks for sharing! 🙌

  43. User avatar rory.terry16 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but 1 tsp each of the spices felt like overkill. I might reduce the paprika/garlic powder. The taste was still good though.

  44. 2 stars
    1 tsp salt for both chicken and sauce? Seems low. Also olive oil AND 3 tbsp butter is a lot—could be heavy. I’ll try a lighter version next time.

    1. User avatar Dan Streetmentioner says:

      4 stars
      2 tbsp olive oil + 3 tbsp butter *is* a lot, yeah. I’ve made this kind of sauce and it can get heavy if you don’t loosen it with a splash of pasta water. Next time try half butter or use all olive oil. Also—who says “pinch” salt when it’s already a full tsp? lol.

    2. User avatar wellRespected says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean—1 tsp salt for the whole thing sounds light on paper. But depending on the parmesan and whether your pasta water is salted, it might still come out right. I’d start with taste and add more at step 5.

  45. User avatar wilmer.stark1954 says:

    3 stars
    Garlic flavor was there, but mine tasted kinda bland before I added extra parmesan. Also I cooked the chicken too long the first side (oops) and it was a bit dry. Still edible.

    1. 4 stars
      Totally get it—this one can turn bland if the chicken/pasta seasoning or the sauce salt is a little light. Your extra parmesan fix makes sense, and overcooking the chicken happens to the best of us 😅 Next time try closer to 4-5 min per side (depends on thickness) and let the creamy sauce simmer just 30–60 seconds to help it coat the pasta.

  46. User avatar hiram.weimann76 says:

    5 stars
    Garlic chicken pasta is my weakness 😅 The sauce came out smooth and not grainy. I might cut the butter next time but taste wise 10/10.

    1. User avatar kanesha.oconner1978 says:

      5 stars
      Garlic chicken pasta is also my weakness 😅 Glad your sauce stayed smooth! If you cut the butter, maybe keep the heat a little lower so the cream/parmesan stays silky.

  47. User avatar marlyn.dare1981 says:

    5 stars
    Made this last night and it turned out super creamy! I used penne and doubled the garlic (because why not). The tomato + spinach balance is really good. Will definitely cook again.

  48. User avatar connie.nitzsche42 says:

    4 stars
    I’m skeptical about pasta dishes, but my family loved this. I might be a convert!

  49. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    3 stars
    Garlic chicken pasta? That’s not authentic Italian! But it looks good.

  50. User avatar Shaddam Corrino IV says:

    2 stars
    Just okay. I prefer my pasta with tomato sauce. This was heavy.

    1. User avatar Piter De Vries says:

      5 stars
      I found this recipe amazing! The creaminess is perfect for a nice dinner vibe. Maybe just try adding more garlic next time for extra flavor!

  51. User avatar dannielle.botsford70 says:

    3 stars
    Um ok but where’s the pepper? You say salt and pepper but only salt is in ingredients list. I still added pepper and it was fine lol.

  52. 2 stars
    I made this last night and it was a total flop! The chicken was dry and the sauce was too thick.

  53. User avatar felicita.abshire79 says:

    2 stars
    Not sure about the 1 tsp paprika—felt a little overpowering compared to the garlic. Also I needed more sauce; 1 cup heavy cream didn’t feel like enough for 8 oz pasta.

  54. User avatar shayne.stamm2019 says:

    4 stars
    Super easy and quick recipe. I will make it again!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. 😍

    2. 3 stars
      Looks good, but how does it taste? I might add some mushrooms.

  55. User avatar Humma Kavula says:

    1 star
    What kind of pasta? I only have spaghetti.

  56. User avatar domenic.ferry92 says:

    3 stars
    This seems a bit complicated for a weeknight meal. Can I skip the spinach?

  57. User avatar nick.hilpert85 says:

    5 stars
    The instructions are clear, and the sauce thickened nicely. I added a splash of pasta water at the end and it helped the consistency a lot. Great weeknight meal vibe.

    1. 5 stars
      Yes! Pasta water is such a cheat code for getting that silky, clingy sauce. Glad it worked for you—this is a perfect weeknight meal.

  58. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    4 stars
    Pretty solid recipe! I’d maybe cut the salt slightly because there’s already a lot of seasoning listed. Still, the spinach/tomato combo gave it a fresh taste.

  59. User avatar jeannine.waelchi1997 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a total game changer! The flavors were incredible and it’s so creamy. My family devoured it! 😍

  60. User avatar michaela.armstrong1952 says:

    1 star
    I didn’t have parmesan, could I use cheddar instead? 🤔

    1. 4 stars
      Cheddar is good but it won’t taste quite the same as parm. Still, it should work fine! 😊

  61. User avatar shannan.skiles99 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I added some red pepper flakes for a kick and it was perfect! Definitely making this again.

  62. User avatar marguerita.reinger says:

    5 stars
    Made this tonight and it was super cozy. The garlic-butter-cream sauce clings to the pasta perfectly. I used penne and added a little extra parmesan—no regrets.

  63. 2 stars
    Took me longer than expected to cook. Never again!

    1. User avatar valentin.predovic says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, sounds kinda easy to me! Just cook pasta and chicken, how hard can it be? 🤷‍♂️

    2. 4 stars
      I hear ya! Sometimes cooking takes forever, but the end result is usually worth it. Maybe try prepping things ahead of time next time!

  64. User avatar Russel Cartwright says:

    4 stars
    So good! Made with some added veggies, like bell peppers, and it was delicious! Everybody loved it! 🍝

  65. User avatar brenton.nolan2023 says:

    5 stars
    My kids devoured this! Simple and easy recipe. Will cook again. 😊

    1. User avatar joannie.boehm12 says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear that! It’s a hit in my house too! 🥰

  66. 3 stars
    Turned out okay, but I kinda just threw things together. 🤷‍♀️

  67. User avatar venita.nader7 says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have spinach, so I used broccoli instead. Still turned out great! 👍

  68. 5 stars
    Delicious! The spinach wilted perfectly and the garlic butter smelled amazing. I did cook the chicken a bit longer than 5 min/side though—thicker breasts.

  69. User avatar nakisha.kuphal1996 says:

    4 stars
    Okay but the seasoning is kind of a lot. I followed it exactly and it was a little salty for my taste—next time I’ll cut back on the salt and add pepper more gradually.

    1. User avatar shantelle.brekke says:

      3 stars
      I mean… if you follow it exactly, then you should salt less? Also I think it’s the parmesan doing most of the salt. Next time try using less salt on the chicken and maybe more butter? Not sure but mine was good, maybe I just don’t measure right 😅

    2. User avatar Yooden Vranx says:

      5 stars
      Totally get that. I’ve noticed different brands of parmesan and cream can make it taste saltier too—cutting the salt and adding pepper gradually sounds like the move.

  70. User avatar deanne.yost1987 says:

    3 stars
    Can I use non-dairy cream? I’m lactose intolerant. Need to modify some ingredients too.

  71. User avatar johanna.vandervort52 says:

    4 stars
    Simple ingredients, but the flavor is legit. I used penne and it still worked. Next time I’ll slice the chicken a bit thinner so it mixes better.

    1. User avatar jeff.krajcik44 says:

      5 stars
      Yeah! Thin slicing really helps it soak up that garlicky cream sauce. Penne works too—this one’s pretty forgiving.

  72. User avatar cyrus.oreilly25 says:

    4 stars
    Simple and easy to make! I didn’t have fresh spinach, so I used frozen, worked out fine. 😊

  73. User avatar rudolph.beier75 says:

    5 stars
    Wow, this pasta is fantastic! Made it for dinner last night, and the whole family loved it! 5 stars!

    1. User avatar merrill.pfeffer1988 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad to hear your family loved it! It’s a perfect blend of flavors, isn’t it? I also add a splash of lemon juice for some extra zing. 😊

  74. 4 stars
    Super easy and quick! Perfect for a weeknight meal. I added mushrooms too! 🍝

  75. 3 stars
    Not bad at all, but I think it’s missing some kick. Maybe add some chili flakes next time.

  76. User avatar Death Hound says:

    1 star
    Honestly a 1. Didn’t taste good at all. Too many flavors that don’t mix.

  77. 4 stars
    Yum! Made this on a busy night and it was a lifesaver. A keeper recipe for sure.

  78. User avatar maxie.ferry10 says:

    4 stars
    Not bad at all! The spinach wilted perfectly and the parmesan made it rich. I wish the recipe mentioned when to add pepper besides the pinch—tiny detail but still.

  79. User avatar harris.keeling2013 says:

    3 stars
    I’m not sure about the measurements. 1 tsp of everything feels weirdly balanced? I followed it anyway and it tasted okay, just a bit salty for me.

  80. User avatar galen.metz1970 says:

    2 stars
    I just can’t do heavy cream. Is there a lighter version? 🤔

3.75 from 217 votes
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