Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a rich, indulgent dinner dish made in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food. This Italian-inspired recipe pairs tender chicken with pasta coated in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, offering a satisfying, flavorful bite every time. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, it’s perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 10.5 oz (300 g) penne pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 medium shallot, finely diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning

• ⅓ cup (75 ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth)

• 1 cup (200 ml) heavy cream

• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, sauté diced shallot for 1 minute, then add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.

Deglaze and Build Flavor
Add Italian seasoning and white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes until reduced slightly.

Make the Cream Sauce
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Finish
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the pan. Toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: 649 per serving

• Fat: 36g (Saturated: 19g)

• Carbohydrates: 31g (Sugar: 3g, Fiber: 2g)

• Protein: 46g

• Sodium: 411mg

• Cholesterol: 182mg

Why This Dish Is So Popular

One of the reasons Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a favorite in so many households is its incredible versatility. Not only does it come together in under 30 minutes, but it also satisfies both the desire for rich flavor and the need for ease. It’s a one-pan wonder that requires only a handful of staple ingredients—many of which you likely already have on hand. The result is a restaurant-quality dish without the need for advanced culinary skills.

Beyond its ease, this dish appeals to a wide range of palates. The savory combination of garlic and Parmesan is timeless, while the cream sauce adds a soothing, indulgent texture that makes every bite memorable. Plus, because you’re working with a neutral base, it’s easy to customize with extra vegetables, alternate proteins, or spice adjustments to suit different preferences.

Perfect for Weeknights and Special Occasions

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is quick enough for weeknight dinners but refined enough for entertaining. When you’re short on time, the speed of this recipe is a lifesaver. With everything prepared in one skillet and one pot, cleanup is minimal, and there’s no need to juggle multiple pans or complicated steps. It’s the type of dish that lets you focus on your evening, whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends.

Yet, the flavors are so rich and comforting that the dish also works beautifully for date nights or casual dinner parties. You can dress it up with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or a side of crusty garlic bread and a crisp salad to create an inviting, well-rounded meal.

Flavor Profile and Texture

The flavor of this pasta is warm and well-layered. Garlic is undoubtedly the star—fragrant and slightly sweet after being sautéed in butter and olive oil. The Italian seasoning contributes subtle herbal notes that complement the richness of the sauce. Meanwhile, the Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth, melting into the cream for a silky texture that clings beautifully to the penne.

Chicken breast, when cooked properly, brings a juicy, savory element to the dish. By searing it until golden before adding it back into the sauce, you ensure that it retains flavor and moisture while absorbing the creamy, cheesy coating. The result is a comforting bite that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ideal Customizations

This pasta is highly adaptable, making it a great foundation for culinary creativity. Here are some ideas for tweaking the recipe:

• Protein swaps: Try using shrimp, salmon, or even plant-based alternatives like mushrooms or chickpeas for a different flavor profile or to cater to dietary preferences.

• Vegetable add-ins: Spinach, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers are excellent additions that introduce color, nutrition, and variety.

• Pasta alternatives: While penne works beautifully, you can substitute with linguine, fusilli, or even gluten-free or whole-grain pasta options.

• Heat and zest: For those who love a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. A squeeze of lemon juice or some lemon zest can also help brighten the richness of the cream.

Health Considerations

Though this dish is indulgent, it can fit into a balanced diet with a few thoughtful adjustments. Using chicken breast keeps the protein lean, and the sauce—while rich—can be lightened by substituting half the cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened oat or almond cream. Reducing the Parmesan or using a lower-sodium broth can also help reduce salt content.

Paired with a side of greens or a light vegetable soup, the meal becomes more nutritionally rounded without losing its comfort-food appeal.

Great for Meal Prep

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is also a smart option for meal prepping. It holds up well when reheated and maintains its flavor and texture, especially if you reserve a little pasta water or broth to revive the sauce when warming it up. Stored in an airtight container, leftovers can last 3–4 days in the fridge, making this recipe not only time-saving for busy evenings but cost-effective, too.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the dish, consider serving it with sides that add contrast and freshness. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus pairs well with the richness of the sauce. For a more decadent pairing, garlic bread or cheesy focaccia can complete the meal beautifully.

Wine lovers will enjoy pairing this pasta with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the sauce, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine cuts through the creaminess, balancing the flavors perfectly.

Culinary Inspiration and Origins

Though not a traditional Italian recipe, Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is undeniably inspired by Italian-American cuisine. It brings together the elements of Alfredo and garlic butter pasta, two popular dishes that have been adapted for modern tastes and quicker prep times. Its wide appeal and easy preparation have made it a go-to in countless kitchens across the world, blending old-world flavor with new-world convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just getting into the kitchen, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. It’s quick, requires just a few steps, and delivers consistently excellent results. The combination of creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness with juicy chicken and pasta is one that’s hard to resist. It’s a crowd-pleaser with universal flavor appeal.

More than that, this dish offers the joy of creating something delicious from simple ingredients—a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta stands out as a dish that checks all the boxes: it’s flavorful, easy to prepare, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. With its rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and tender bites of chicken, it’s the kind of comforting, soul-satisfying meal that brings people together around the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight fix or a meal to impress your guests, this pasta is always a winning choice. Its elegance lies in its simplicity—and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.