This creamy garlic chicken pasta is rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. With tender chicken, plenty of garlic, and an indulgent parmesan rich cream sauce, it’s a family favourite that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
What You Need
(please scroll down for the full recipe card with quantities and instructions)
Pasta – Any pasta works here, short shapes like penne or fusilli, or long strands like spaghetti or linguine.
Chicken – Chicken breasts are quick and lean, while thighs add extra juiciness. Cut into bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly.
Olive oil and butter – A mix of both adds flavour and prevents the butter from burning.
Garlic – Use fresh cloves, finely chopped or crushed – I used 6, but in my opinion the more garlicky the better!
Chicken stock – Adds depth of flavour and helps build the sauce base.
Double cream – You could use single cream instead.
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the cream sauce, giving it extra flavour and creaminess.
Seasoning – Salt, black pepper, and optionally a pinch of chilli flakes for gentle heat.
Fresh parsley – Sprinkle over just before serving for freshness and colour.
Making Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pan of salted boiling water according to the packet instructions. Before draining, save a mug of the cooking water, this starchy liquid is perfect for loosening the sauce later.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, gently cook the garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Stir in the chicken stock and double cream, and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally chilli flakes (if using).
Return the chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy garlic sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
- Chicken and Chorizo Pasta
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Couscous Recipe With Peppers, Garlic + Chilli
- Spaghetti Carbonara
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
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Ingredients
- 400 g pasta of your choice
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter plus more if needed
- 6 garlic cloves finely chopped or crushed
- 150 ml chicken stock
- 250 ml double cream
- 50 g Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (to serve)
- Optional: pinch of chilli flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pan of salted boiling water according to packet instructions. Reserve a mug of cooking water before draining.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken stock and double cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes (if using).
- Return the chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss well to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an estimate.