Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor—this Garlic Chicken Pasta is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. Perfectly seasoned chicken seared to golden brown, tossed with al dente pasta and a rich, cheesy garlic sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest. With a prep time that’s quick enough for busy nights and a taste that rivals restaurant fare, it’s a family favorite in the making.

Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking to impress dinner guests with minimal effort, this pasta hits every note. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful but still incredibly easy to make. The balance of garlic, cream, and tender chicken over rigatoni makes each bite deeply satisfying and worthy of seconds (and thirds!).

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Garlic Chicken Pasta?

Rigatoni is a fantastic choice thanks to its large, tubular shape that holds onto the sauce, making each bite burst with flavor. However, fettuccine, penne, or even bowtie pasta work beautifully as well. Go with what you have on hand—but avoid thin pasta like angel hair, which can get lost in the creamy garlic sauce.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Chicken Pasta

Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for lean, tender bites that soak up the sauce.

Rigatoni pasta – Its ridges and wide shape hold onto the creamy sauce for maximum flavor in every forkful.

Heavy cream – This is the base of our garlic sauce, lending richness and silkiness.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty depth to the sauce that binds the flavors together.

Garlic cloves – The hero of the dish. Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor.

Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic to perfection.

Olive oil – Used to sear the chicken to golden brown and add subtle fruity notes.

Italian seasoning – For a blend of herbs that enhances the dish without overpowering it.

Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer.

Parsley – A final fresh touch to brighten the dish right before serving.

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How To Make the Garlic Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicke

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, and let it simmer for 4–5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water will help achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the drained rigatoni. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the luscious garlic cream sauce. Let it all warm together for a minute or two.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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How to Serve and Store Garlic Chicken Pasta

Serve Garlic Chicken Pasta hot and fresh out of the skillet for the best flavor and texture. The creamy sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so serving it immediately ensures every bite is luscious and smooth. If you’re entertaining, garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for a polished touch.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life and warm over medium heat until evenly heated. While freezing is possible, the cream sauce may separate, so refrigeration is recommended.

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What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Because more garlic is always a good idea! A crusty, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness and crunch of roasted broccoli cut through the richness of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons make a refreshing contrast.

Sauteed Spinach

A quick saute of spinach with garlic and olive oil is light but flavorful.

Grilled Asparagus

This adds a pop of green and a touch of smokiness that pairs beautifully with the dish.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring brightness to the table.

White Wine

A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the garlic cream sauce and enhances the dish.

Lemon-Honey Glazed Carrots

For a sweet, tangy side that balances the savory richness of the pasta.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Garlic Chicken Pasta has your mouth watering, wait until you try these other irresistible favorites from the SavorQueen kitchen:

• Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight for a savory-sweet fusion that’s pure comfort.
• White Cheddar Chicken Pasta if you’re craving a bold cheese-forward experience.
• Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a meatier twist with a garlicky edge.
• Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet for a spicy, Southern-inspired bite.
• One-Pan Creamy Cheddar Sausage Ranch Chicken Pasta when you need a loaded, flavor-packed skillet dinner.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this creamy, dreamy Garlic Chicken Pasta to your go-to Pinterest board so it’s always just a click away when cravings hit.

Tried it with your own spin? Maybe a hint of chili flakes or a veggie swap? Share your version or any questions in the comments below—we love seeing how you make it your own.

Need more dinner inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. There’s always something new and delicious waiting for you there.

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