Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy garlic chicken pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic and rosemary cream sauce are tossed with penne pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts (1 – 1.5 lbs, butterflied lengthwise into 4 pieces)
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh finely chopped rosemary*
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or stock)
• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream (warmed)
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut each into four pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts, place the chicken pieces in the pan and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Add the whole garlic cloves and sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fragrant but not burnt.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped rosemary and toast for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the warmed cream and simmer for about 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Step 6: Slice the cooked chicken diagonally. Add the chicken slices back into the sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine. Gradually add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately, sprinkled generously with Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic and rosemary for the best flavor, but dried rosemary can be substituted in a pinch (use about one-third the amount).
• For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream or use whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the pasta for extra nutrition and color.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Choose shapes that hold the creamy sauce well.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest method is to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. The chicken should also be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 271 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a delightful and comforting meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Bursting with rich flavors from fresh rosemary and roasted garlic, this dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts (1 – 1.5 lbs), butterflied lengthwise into 4 pieces
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter (divided)

Sauce

• 6 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh finely chopped rosemary
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or stock)
• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream (warmed)
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut into four pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, place the chicken pieces in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside on a board.
3. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Add whole garlic cloves and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to toast them to a golden color without burning. Add freshly chopped rosemary and toast for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spatula to deglaze, loosening all flavorful bits. Add the warmed half and half or heavy cream and stir, bringing the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook down gently for about 4 minutes to thicken. Meanwhile, slice the cooked chicken diagonally.
4. Combine the meal: Return the sliced chicken to the sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer together for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss everything to combine evenly. Gradually stir in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce; add more if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
5. Serve: Plate the creamy garlic chicken pasta and generously sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving to enhance the flavor.

Notes

• Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tender pieces.
• Reserving pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly while combining the pasta and sauce.
• Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
• For a richer dish, opt for heavy cream; half and half works well for a lighter version.
• Fresh rosemary adds a subtle aromatic flavor, but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Make sure not to burn the garlic while sautéing, as it can turn bitter.

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken pasta, chicken pasta, garlic cream sauce, penne pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner