Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy go-to meal that’s super delicious and family friendly. This recipe is made with juicy chunks of chicken and pasta in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It takes just 30 minutes and can easily be modified to suit a low carb or gluten free diet, if needed.
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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.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken (cut into bite size cubes): I like to use tenders, but you can use chicken breasts or thighs.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Creamy Garlic Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot (minced)
- 3-4 cups chicken stock
- 16 ounces penne pasta: or pasta shape of your choice. Rotini, spaghetti, angel hair or fettuccine will all work out great.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
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 and shallot.
Create!
Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Add the butter to a large, deep skillet (I use Calphalon) 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. The internal temperature of chicken needs to reach 165°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
Melt the butter in the same skillet used to cook the chicken.
Stir in the minced garlic and shallot and cook until just softened, about 1 minute.
Carefully add 3 cups of chicken stock and pasta. Raise the heat to bring to a boil.
Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, about 4-6 minutes. If the pasta is not al dente when all of the stock is absorbed, you can gradually add more, as needed.
Add the heavy 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 chicken stock and replace the pasta with konjac noodles, cooked 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.
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
- You can swap out penne pasta for the pasta shape of your choice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume 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 spinach, steamed broccoli or peas.
More Garlic Chicken Recipes
Love this creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!
If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!
Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken (cut into bite size cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Creamy Garlic Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot (minced)
- 3-4 cups chicken stock
- 16 ounces penne pasta (or pasta shape of your choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Instructions
Chicken
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken , 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Add the butter to a large, deep skillet over medium high heat and add the chicken.1 tablespoon butter
- Cook the chicken until it's golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. The internal temperature of chicken needs to reach 165°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
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 1 minute.1 tablespoon butter, 6 cloves garlic
- Carefully add 3 cups of chicken stock and pasta. Raise the heat to bring to a boil.1 shallot, 3-4 cups chicken stock, 16 ounces penne pasta
- Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it's al dente, about 4-6 minutes. If the pasta is not al dente when all of the stock is absorbed, you can gradually add more, as needed.
- Add the heavy cream and cook a minute or two until hot and bubbly.1/2 cup heavy cream
- Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.1/2 cup 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.
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. ** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on May 5, 2020. It was updated with new images, an improved recipe with step-by-step instructions, tips, techniques and FAQ’s on October 28, 2024.
veenaazmanov says
Definitely a delicious one pot meal. Pasta is one of my family favorite dinner options.
Tayler says
This is my family’s new favorite pasta recipe! I made it for dinner last night and my whole family devoured it!
Shadi says
This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!
Sisley says
A really lovely midweek meal that was loved by the family. We added some grated courgette to the mix to get some hidden veg in.
dana says
We loved this! It’s super simple and approachable but has so much flavor. Love having protein in there with the pasta too.
Beth says
I served this last night for dinner with some garlic bread, and my family is already asking for it again! Love it.
Pmays says
Hi it says start with butter to cook chicken then remove chicken. Then says add butter to same pan for garlic and shallots. Do you use more than a tbsp of butter? Thanks.
Lauren Vavala says
Hi there! So the ingredients in this recipe are divided into two sections – one for the chicken and one for the rest of the dish. There is 1 tablespoon of butter listed for each section for a total of 2 tablespoons.
This is a bit older recipe, before we were able to list the ingredients under each step so I’m going to edit it to do that to clear up and future confusion. People have really been liking that feature and I can see how it could really help on a recipe like this one especially. Thanks for your comment – hope the recipe turns out perfect for you!
– Lauren
ti says
can i cook the pasta separate
Lauren Vavala says
Hi! I haven’t made it that way, but it should work out just fine 🙂
– Lauren
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.
vee 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!