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creamy garlic chicken pasta coated in a rich tomato-cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Tender chicken tossed in a silky tomato-garlic cream sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Made in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes — the ultimate comfort food dinner!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 530 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 12 oz 340 g spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb 450 g chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden and done. Remove and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, chili flakes, and heavy cream. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
  • Combine Everything: Add Parmesan and cooked chicken. Toss in pasta, adding a splash of pasta water for desired creaminess.
  • Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!

Notes

Tips & Variations

Protein swap: Use shrimp or tofu for a twist.
Add-ins: Try spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Pasta options: Penne or linguine work great too.
Light version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
 

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
Freezer: This pasta can be frozen for up to 1 month, though the cream sauce may slightly separate after thawing. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm slowly in a skillet with a touch of cream or butter.
Tip: If you plan to freeze it, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing — it will finish cooking perfectly when reheated.
Keyword chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy weeknight meal, one-pan dinner