Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Easy and Irresistibly Silky!)
Tender golden chicken, a luxuriously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly coated pasta. Rich, cozy, and exactly the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising ease!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1½ – 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup reserved pasta water
- ¾ – 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve some hot pasta water before draining.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat slightly and melt butter in the pan.
- Add garlic and cook just until fragrant (Reserved pasta water is packed with starch, which helps the sauce turn silky, glossy, and cling beautifully to every bite!)
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add Parmesan, stirring until smooth and silky.
- Toss pasta directly into the sauce.
- Return chicken to the pan and gently coat everything in that glossy garlic goodness.
- Add more pasta water as needed until beautifully creamy.
Variations
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts MUCH better and gives you a smoother sauce – here is why grating your own cheese is an absolute game-changer for smooth, cheesy sauces!
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and tastes richer.
- If the sauce tightens, a splash of pasta water fixes everything.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- A pinch of chili flakes adds gentle warmth.
- Serve immediately while creamy and glossy.
- Fresh lemon zest makes the whole dish pop. Bright, fragrant, perfect.
- For an extra kick, top off with fresh cracked pepper, chili oil or Red Pepper Flakes
- Always finish with a few cracks of fresh grated sea salt 😉
In the mood for some easy dinners? Check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, this Easy Baked Salmon, these Ultra-Crispy Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs and this delightfully easy Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Beef! And if you’re in the mood for a simple one pot wonder meal?! This EPIC One Pot Lasagna dinner that’s ready in less than 27 minutes will absolutely become your new favorite busy-night dinner!
Love garlic? We triple-dog-dare you to click here.. 😉
