Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy go-to meal that’s delicious and family friendly. This recipe takes just 30 minutes and can easily be modified to suit a low carb or gluten free diet, if needed.
This post contains affiliate links. See our Disclosure Statement for more information.
My recipe for Easy Garlic Chicken has been super popular, and for good reason. It’s not only absolutely addicting, but it’s also a great option for when you’re short on time or ingredients.
This Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe is another quick and easy spin on garlic chicken that also uses mostly pantry ingredients. Pasta and a rich Parmesan cream sauce give it a comfort food touch.
It reminds me of a Pasta-Roni side dish that I used to eat for dinner back in my single days when I couldn’t cook to save my life. It was an angel hair pasta in Parmesan cream sauce very similar in flavor to this dish.
Why This Recipe Works
You could consider this a cheap pasta recipe in that it doesn’t use a lot of expensive ingredients. All you need is chicken, pasta, and a few other basic ingredients that you might even have on hand already.
This recipe can be made all in just one pan. It’s a very easy recipe to prepare and takes only 30 minutes.
If you prefer to eat low carb or gluten free, modifications for both can be found in the notes section at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Pasta
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken:
- 1 pound of chicken (cut into bite size cubes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Creamy Garlic Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot (minced)
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley (minced, optional)
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and mince the garlic, shallot, and parsley, if using.
Create!
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Add the butter to a large, deep skillet (I use a Calphalon non-stick space saver pan) over medium high heat and add the chicken.
Cook the chicken until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove to a plate.
Next, prepare the pasta.
Melt the butter in the same skillet used to cook the chicken.
Add the minced garlic and shallot and cook until just softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Carefully add the water, salt, and pasta. Raise the heat to bring to a boil.
Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, about 4-6 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: you should not have much, if any, water left in the pan. If you do, drain it out before moving on to the next step.
Add the heavy whipping cream and cook for a minute or two until hot and bubbly.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and chicken until well coated with the cream sauce.
Present!
Garnish with extra shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh minced parsley, if desired.
How To Make Low Carb Garlic Chicken Pasta
To make this recipe low carb, omit the water and replace the pasta with spaghetti squash or zoodles. The sauce may be thinner due to the fact that spaghetti squash and zucchini will not absorb the liquid the way that regular pasta does.
When I make this recipe for my family, I sometimes use a low carb, high protein edamame pasta (I like the Explore Cuisine brand) that I cook separately and stir in at the end.
How to Make Gluten Free Garlic Chicken Pasta
Making gluten free Garlic Chicken Pasta is easy. Simply swap out the traditional pasta for gluten free pasta.
Tips and Techniques
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
FAQ’s
What To Make With Garlic Chicken Pasta?
Garlic Chicken Pasta pairs well with a simple salad or vegetable side dish such as broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
You could also mix in some steamed broccoli or peas.
More Chicken Dinner Recipes To Try
Here are some more chicken dinner recipes that you might like:
- Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet
- Chicken Roll Ups with Smoked Mozzarella & Bacon
- Jalapeno Popper Chicken and Pasta
- Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken and Orzo Pasta
- Keto Broccoli Chicken Bake
Love this creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!
Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken * cut into bite size pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Creamy Garlic Pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic * minced
- 1 shallot * minced
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese * shredded
- fresh parsley * optional, garnish
Instructions
Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add the butter to a large, deep skillet over medium high heat and add the chicken.
- Cook the chicken until it's golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove to a plate.
Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Melt the butter in the same skillet used to cook the chicken.
- Add the garlic and shallot and cook until just softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the water, salt, and pasta. Raise the heat to bring to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until it's al dente, about 4-6 minutes. The water should be absorbed, but if any remains, drain it out before moving onto the next step.
- Add the heavy whipping cream and cook a minute or two until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Stir the chicken back in and toss to coat.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
Taryn says
We all enjoyed this tonight however it was very sticky and I had a hard time dishing it out(noodles were all sticking together). To reheat do u suggest adding a little bit of liquid so it’s not one blob of noodles haha??
Lauren Vavala says
Ohh sounds like you weren’t left with any water at all in the pan – so yes! Definitely add just a little bit when reheating it to help loosen up the pasta.
Hope this help,
Lauren
Brandi says
Hello. So we add the pasta in dry to the shallot and garlic?
Lauren Vavala says
No. In the instructions you add the water, salt and pasta at the same time to the skillet. It does go in dry but will cook in the water.
Lauren
Brandi says
How many ppl does this feed?
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Brandi! This recipe states 4 servings, but of course that depends on individual appetites. It’s a bit heavier because it’s pasta, so you might get a little more out of it.
Lauren
Michelle Saporito says
What about adding capers or green peas to this? I am also wondering about asparagus tips.
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Michelle! Any of those mix-ins should work out just fine, depending on your own personal tastes 🙂
– Lauren
Kim says
Delicious recipe! I used whole wheat pasta and half and half and it was still so good.
Lauren Vavala says
Thanks so much!
Rachel says
This recipe was a big hit with my picky child. It was delicious. I love how simple it was. I didn’t have cream on hand so I used whole milk. I just let it boil a bit longer and it still has that dense/creamy feeling to the pasta. I also added a bit of olive oil when I cooked the chicken. Thank you for the recipe!
Lauren Vavala says
Thank you for your feedback and rating – I really appreciate it and am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
– Lauren
Jenette says
We do not drain the pasta?
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Jenette! You shouldn’t have to drain the pasta, but if there is excess water, you absolutely can before moving on to the next step.
– Lauren
Lisa says
Can I use Half and Half instead of heavy whipping cream?
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Lisa, you can use half-and-half. Might be a tad less thick/rich is all.
– Lauren
Paula S. says
This looks really delicious!
Maureen says
looks like just the meal that would be perfect for my family. I am printing it up.
Thank you.
veenaazmanov says
A flavorful dish and the best Dinner option for family.
Angela says
I love pasta dishes like this one. So tasty and so easy to make!
Jo says
Comfort food at its best! Garlic chicken is just the best and with pasta…Heaven!
Dannii says
This is my kind of comfort food. So simple and delicious.
Lauren Vavala says
Thanks Dannii!
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Creamy Garlic Pasta is simply a delicious weeknight dinner recipe! Love quick and easy recipes.
Lauren Vavala says
Definitely!! Thank you!