Garlic Chicken Pasta

Garlic Chicken Pasta: Simple Dinner Recipe

This garlic chicken pasta is quick, tasty, and perfect for any weeknight. Juicy chicken meets a light garlic sauce and tender pasta in under 30 minutes. A quick, tasty garlic chicken pasta that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

No fancy ingredients are needed. You’ll get a hearty meal that feels special without extra effort.

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Uses simple pantry staples
• Light garlic sauce keeps it fresh
• Family-friendly and filling
• Easy to scale for more servings

Ingredients
Serves 4

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1 lb/450 g)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 3 tbsp (45 g) butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to make it

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Prep chicken: Season both sides with salt and pepper. Slice into strips or bite-size pieces.
3. Brown chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Make garlic sauce: In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add butter and melted oil. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken sauce: Let it cook 2–3 minutes, stirring so it doesn’t stick. Add Parmesan and stir until melted.
7. Combine: Return chicken to the pan, add pasta, and toss to coat evenly. If you like, squeeze in lemon juice.
8. Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Enjoy warm.

Tips and common mistakes

• Don’t overcook garlic – it turns bitter.
• Keep sauce at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt.
• Drain pasta well to avoid watery sauce.

Substitutions

• Pasta: Replace spaghetti with penne or linguine.
• Dairy: Swap half-and-half for light cream or whole milk.
• Chicken: Use thighs or turkey slices.
• Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.

Storage instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if sauce is too thick. Do not microwave on high or sauce may separate.

FAQ

Q1: Can I freeze garlic chicken pasta?
A1: You can freeze it, but sauce may change texture. Thaw in fridge and reheat slowly with extra milk.

Q2: How to make it gluten-free?
A2: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free.

Q3: Can I add vegetables?
A3: Yes. Spinach, broccoli, or peas work well. Add them in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Q4: Is this spicy?
A4: No. To add heat, stir in red pepper flakes with the garlic.

10. Internal linking section
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like:
• Creamy Alfredo Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti

To make this a truly unforgettable dinner, you’ll want a side dish that can soak up all that incredible sauce. Our creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort pairing, but if you prefer something with a bit of texture, these roasted potatoes with garlic add a wonderful rustic crunch to every bite.