Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Full Detailed Recipe)

 

This is a rich, comforting, restaurant-style meal that you can easily make at home. It’s perfect for dinner with family or guests, and the sauce is creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.

 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Pasta:

• 400g (14 oz) pasta (penne or fettuccine works best)
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly.
2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
4. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side.
5. Make sure the inside is fully cooked (no pink in the center).
6. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
7. Slice it into thin strips.

Resting the chicken keeps it juicy and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
3. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–12 minutes).
4. Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water.
5. Drain the pasta and set aside.

The salted water gives flavor to the pasta from the inside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same pan used for chicken (don’t clean it — the flavor stays!), melt 3 tablespoons butter.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn it).
4. Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir gently.
5. Add salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and chili flakes.
6. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until it thickens.
7. Add grated Parmesan cheese slowly while stirring.
8. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.

The pasta water helps the sauce become silky and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce.
2. Mix well so every piece is coated.
3. Add the sliced chicken on top or mix it into the pasta.
4. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes on low heat.

 Final Touch

• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Add extra Parmesan if you like.
• Serve hot.

 Tips for Best Results

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting.
• Don’t overcook the chicken — it becomes dry.
• If you want vegetables, you can add mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
• For extra richness, add a little cream cheese.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

 Serving Suggestions

This dish goes perfectly with:

• Garlic bread
• Fresh green salad
• Roasted vegetables