Go Back
- 2 chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley for garnish When measuring your ingredients, be precise. Use a kitchen scale for chicken. For pasta, a standard 8 oz package works well. Use a measuring cup for liquids like cream and chicken broth. Remember to adjust seasonings to fit your taste. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more minced garlic. If you need alternatives, here are some options: - Chicken: Swap for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian dish. - Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred. - Cream: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Spinach: Kale or arugula can replace spinach in this recipe. This recipe is versatile and allows for many adjustments. For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. To start, boil a large pot of salted water. Once it bubbles, add 8 oz of pasta. I love using fettuccine or penne, but you can choose your favorite. Cook until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of that pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts to the pan. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want them fragrant but watch out! Garlic burns quickly. Now, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce a bit. Then, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add 1 cup of spinach and the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir until the spinach wilts. Mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes the sauce creamy. If it’s too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water to make it just right. Time to bring it all together! Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss everything well. You want every piece of pasta coated in that creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Divide the creamy garlic chicken pasta onto plates or bowls. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a simple salad on the side. Enjoy the rich flavors! For the complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. To get the ideal creaminess, use heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. When you mix in the Parmesan cheese, it adds flavor and thickness. If the sauce feels too thick, add some pasta water. This keeps everything creamy without making it too runny. Herbs can change the dish's taste. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch when you serve it. You can also try basil or thyme. These herbs will give a fresh note to your dish. If you have Italian seasoning, use it while cooking the chicken. This will help build layers of flavor. Many people overcook the garlic. This can make it bitter. Always sauté it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Another mistake is not reserving pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce's thickness later. Lastly, don't skip the seasoning. Properly seasoning your dish makes all the difference. For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily add more veggies to this dish. Spinach is a great choice, but try others too. Bell peppers, broccoli, or peas add color and nutrients. Just chop them small and add them when you mix in the chicken. Cook until the veggies are tender. This makes the dish more balanced and tasty. If you want to switch up the protein, you have options. Shrimp is a quick and tasty choice. Cook it in the same way as chicken. You can also use turkey or tofu for a lighter meal. Each protein brings its own flavor, so feel free to experiment. To make this dish gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta. There are many good options available now. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious, while suiting your needs. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To store your creamy garlic chicken pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, take them out. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps it moist. Heat it slowly over medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning. If using a microwave, cover the bowl with a lid or plate. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. If you want to store it longer, freezing is an option. Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Leave some space at the top, as the pasta expands. Label the bags with the date and contents. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. For a full recipe, check the linked section. To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan. You still get a rich flavor without any dairy. Yes, you can use any pasta you love. Fettuccine and penne work great, but spaghetti, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta can work too. Just follow cooking times on the package. This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also add steamed veggies for more color and nutrition. A light white wine can make a great drink pairing. The dish can last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat it on low heat to keep it creamy. Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. The full recipe guides you through it. This blog post gives you all the info for making Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta. We covered ingredients, measurements, and substitutions. You learned step-by-step cooking methods for tasty pasta. I shared tips for the perfect creamy texture and flavor boosts. Remember, you can customize it with veggies or protein choices. Store leftovers correctly and reheating is easy. Use this recipe to impress, and don’t shy away from making it your own! Enjoy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta that's perfect for any night of the week! This easy recipe features tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's ideal for busy nights or special occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 chicken breasts, diced

8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

      Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

        Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the spinach and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

            Mix with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: Divide the pasta among plates or bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4