Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta You Can Make at Home

If you’re in the mood for a delicious, creamy pasta dish that feels like a restaurant meal but is easy enough to make at home, then this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need! Packed with tender chicken, flavorful garlic, rich cheeses, and the perfect pasta, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Did you know that pasta is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide? In fact, approximately 60% of households in the U.S. have pasta on their dinner table at least once a week. And with this creamy garlic chicken pasta, you’ll be adding a new favorite to your collection.

With just a handful of ingredients and about 40 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can make this creamy garlic chicken pasta at home with minimal effort!

How to Make a Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta?

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-5

Ingredients:

• • 2 Chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 teaspoon crushed garlic (or garlic powder if preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 tablespoon flour
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (fettuccine or your favorite pasta)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by seasoning the chicken strips. Sprinkle them with crushed garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The lemon juice not only adds brightness to the dish but also enhances the flavor of the chicken. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the chicken can marinate in the flavors.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips and cook them for 5-6 minutes per side or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt completely. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step is key to infusing the garlic flavor into the butter and oil left behind in the pan.

4. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it constantly to create a roux. Cook the mixture for another 30 seconds to remove any raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step helps to capture all the flavors stuck on the pan, adding depth to your sauce.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to cook for 4-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. This is where the creamy texture begins to form.

6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. At this stage, the sauce should be smooth, creamy, and full of flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package directions, making sure to cook it al dente. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set aside.

8. Add the cooked chicken strips, drained pasta, and mozzarella cheese into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. The mozzarella will melt into the dish, making it extra creamy.

9. Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the pasta immediately. For an extra burst of flavor and color, garnish with some fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.

Zulay Says: To add more vegetables to this dish, you can toss in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms when mixing everything together. It’s a great way to add more nutrients without compromising flavor.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Tips and Variations

• You can swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. Each choice brings a different flavor, but the creamy garlic sauce will tie everything together perfectly.
• If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a spicy kick. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture.
• If you're looking to cut calories, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use light mozzarella. The dish will still be creamy, though it won’t have the full richness of the original.
• For some texture contrast, top the dish with some crushed breadcrumbs or toasted pine nuts.

Health Benefits of Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken helps build and repair tissues, and it also supports a healthy immune system.
• Garlic: Known for its medicinal properties, garlic has been shown to improve heart health, boost the immune system, and provide antioxidants.
• Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses are rich in calcium and protein, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
• Olive Oil: Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil is heart-healthy and provides anti-inflammatory properties.

Make Your Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Today!

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe is a wonderful choice for those days when you want something rich, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make, and you can customize it with different proteins and vegetables based on your preferences.

And remember, cooking at home allows you to take control of the ingredients, making this creamy pasta not only delicious but also a healthier option compared to take-out.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make This Recipe:

• Quality Chef’s Knife: For slicing your chicken and garlic.
• Skillet/Frying Pan: A non-stick skillet will help create the perfect creamy sauce without sticking.
• Garlic Press: A garlic press ensures perfectly minced garlic every time.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for getting the right portions of cream, broth, and other ingredients.

Be sure to check out our Zulay Kitchen kitchen tools to get these items and more for your kitchen!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media and tag us at @zulay_kitchen and use the hashtag #kitchenhappiness for a chance to be featured!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I use different pasta for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! While we recommend fettuccine for its hearty texture, you can use any type of pasta such as penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. The creamy sauce will work perfectly with any choice.

Can I make the sauce without wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth or vegetable broth. The wine adds depth of flavor, but it’s not essential for the recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?

While this recipe contains pasta, which is not keto-friendly, you can easily make it keto by substituting the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. The creamy sauce will still be delicious!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, peas, or any other vegetable you like. Adding vegetables will not only boost nutrition but also add flavor and color to the dish.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Can I freeze the creamy garlic chicken pasta?

Yes, you can freeze the dish, though pasta might become a little softer when reheated. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.