Pasta chicken garlic has quickly become my go-to weeknight meal, and I think you’re going to love it too! There’s something incredibly comforting about tender chicken and pasta coated in a rich, garlicky sauce. I remember the first time I made this creamy garlic chicken pasta; the aroma of sautéed garlic and simmering cream filled my kitchen, making my mouth water instantly. It’s so satisfying to whip up a restaurant-quality meal like this in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Chicken Garlic
This dish is a winner for so many reasons, making it a staple in my kitchen:
- Incredibly Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy garlic sauce is rich, savory, and utterly delicious.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and readily available chicken.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will devour this garlicky chicken pasta recipe.
- Satisfying Texture: Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a velvety sauce.
- Easy Cleanup: Mostly made in one pan, minimizing dishes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition and color.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Gather these ingredients for a truly delightful pasta with chicken and garlic experience:
- 1 lb Chicken Tenders – perfect for quick cooking and tender bites
- 1 tsp Paprika – adds a hint of color and mild flavor
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning – a blend of herbs for that classic Italian taste
- 1 tsp Salt – to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper – for a touch of warmth
- 2 tbsp Butter – forms the base of our luscious sauce
- 1 small Minced Onion – about 1/4 cup, for aromatic depth
- 1 tbsp Garlic Paste – the star flavor, don’t skimp here!
- 1 tbsp Dried Shallots – adds a sweeter, more delicate onion flavor
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste – for richness and a touch of acidity
- 1 cup Chicken Broth – the liquid that brings the sauce together
- 1 cup Heavy Cream – crucial for that wonderfully creamy garlic chicken pasta texture
- 2 cups Spinach – wilts down beautifully, adding nutrients and color
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese – freshly grated for the best cheesy flavor
- 8 oz Gluten-Free Pasta – cooked to al dente perfection
- 2 tbsp Chopped Parsley – for a fresh, vibrant garnish
How to Make Chicken Garlic Pasta
Whipping up this delicious garlicky chicken pasta recipe is simpler than you think! Follow these steps for a guaranteed winner.
- Step 1: Begin by preparing your chicken. Coat the chicken tenders evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning mix is key to building flavor right from the start.
- Step 2: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken tenders. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely golden-brown color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: While the chicken cooks, prepare your pasta. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Remember, nobody likes mushy pasta!
- Step 4: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion, garlic paste, and dried shallots. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma is amazing!
- Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, letting it caramelize slightly. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine everything. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts down, which only takes a minute or two. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens for your creamy garlic chicken pasta!
- Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked gluten-free pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the luscious sauce. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Step 8: Serve your beautiful pasta with chicken and garlic immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy this simple yet elegant meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Pasta
Elevate your chicken garlic pasta game with these insider tips for a restaurant-worthy dish every time:
- Don’t be shy with the garlic paste; it’s the heart of this dish!
- Ensure your chicken is cooked through but not overcooked, keeping it tender.
- Cook your pasta to al dente; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh – the pre-grated stuff often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
What’s the secret to perfect Pasta with Chicken and Garlic?
The magic lies in building layers of flavor. Sautéing the aromatics like onion and garlic paste in butter before adding the liquids creates a rich base, and using chicken broth adds depth that water just can’t match. For more tips on building flavor, check out this guide on natural superfoods that heal.
Can I make Simple Chicken Garlic Pasta ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead. Cook the chicken and pasta separately and store. Reheat them gently in the sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Easy Garlic Chicken Pasta?
A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, leading to dryness. Also, don’t boil the sauce too vigorously after adding the cream, as it can sometimes separate. Gentle simmering is key for a smooth, luscious sauce.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Garlic Pasta
This flavorful pasta with chicken and garlic is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad cuts through the richness of the garlic sauce perfectly. You could also offer some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce – it’s that good! Another great option for a balanced meal is steamed or roasted asparagus or broccoli. Enjoy your delicious garlic chicken pasta!
Nutrition Facts for Pasta Chicken Garlic
When you’re enjoying a plate of this delicious garlic chicken pasta recipe, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on your exact ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Garlic Pasta
Leftovers of this delightful pasta with chicken and garlic are fantastic, but it’s important to store and reheat them properly to maintain that wonderful creamy texture. Once your delicious garlic chicken pasta has cooled down a bit, transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While I don’t typically recommend freezing this dish because the cream sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing, if you absolutely need to freeze it, aim for about 3 months. For reheating, the best method is gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta and heat over low heat, stirring constantly. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between until warmed through. This ensures your simple chicken garlic pasta remains as tasty as it was the first time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Chicken Pasta
Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders for this Pasta Chicken Garlic?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They tend to be even more tender and flavorful. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before adding them back into the sauce. It’s a great way to customize your chicken garlic pasta.
What other vegetables can I add to this Pasta with Chicken and Garlic?
This recipe is so versatile! Feel free to toss in some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers (any color!), or even some chopped zucchini along with the spinach. Sautéing firmer vegetables like broccoli or peppers for a few minutes before adding the spinach will ensure they are tender-crisp in your finished creamy garlic chicken pasta.
My sauce seems a little too thick for my Easy Garlic Chicken Pasta, what should I do?
No worries if your sauce gets too thick! The easiest fix is to simply stir in a little more chicken broth or even some milk (or more heavy cream if you have it) a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This helps thin out the sauce without compromising the flavor of your garlic chicken pasta recipe.
Is this recipe truly a one-pan meal, or do I need to cook the pasta separately for the Pasta Chicken Garlic?
While the sauce and chicken come together in one pan, the pasta is best cooked separately according to package directions. This ensures it’s perfectly al dente and doesn’t absorb too much of the sauce, which could make it gummy. So, you’ll have one pan for the sauce and chicken, and one pot for the pasta. It’s still minimal cleanup for a delicious dish of simple chicken garlic pasta!
Variations of Pasta Chicken Garlic You Can Try
This versatile garlic chicken pasta is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try swapping the heavy cream and Parmesan for full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast, creating a surprisingly rich and savory vegan version. For a lighter meal, consider using chicken breast and swapping half the heavy cream for chicken broth, resulting in a delightful lemon garlic chicken pasta. You could also try a one-pan method by cooking the pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth, though it requires careful liquid management to avoid gummy pasta. Experimenting with different spices, like a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like basil, will also lead you to your perfect pasta with chicken and garlic.
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Amazing Pasta Chicken Garlic in 30 Mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Tenders
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 small Minced Onion
- 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
- 1 tbsp Dried Shallots
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 8 oz Gluten-Free Pasta
- 2 tbsp Chopped Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Coat the chicken tenders with paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Sauté the seasoned chicken in olive oil over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, minced onion, dried shallots, and tomato paste in butter over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts.
- Combine: Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy. Fold in the cooked pasta and sliced chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile and allows for ingredient substitutions.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cook pasta al dente for best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Sautéing/Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg