Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Creamy garlic chicken pasta made with seasoned chicken, penne pasta, and a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Easy, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken pasta with cream sauce, Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, easy creamy chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken pasta, penne with chicken and garlic

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 462kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

large skillet You’ll build the sauce and cook the chicken all in one pan.
large pot For boiling the pasta.
measuring cups and spoons For measurement accuracy.
Colander For draining the pasta.
grater For grating the Parmesan.

Ingredients

8 oz. dry penne pasta
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs cubed
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
2 tbsps. butter
6 cloves garlic minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream room temperature
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tbsps. chopped parsley

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. While it cooks, start on the rest of the recipe.
8 oz. dry penne pasta
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, after about 2–3 minutes, add the chicken.
1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 lb. skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Sprinkle the chicken with the dried seasonings.
1 tsp. Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. paprika, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
Cook the chicken for about 7 minutes more, or until the juices run clear.
Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute.
2 tbsps. butter, 6 cloves garlic
Pour in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Toss until the chicken and pasta are coated and the sauce has thickened.
Sprinkle parsley on top before serving.
2 tbsps. chopped parsley

Notes

Use room temperature cream to keep the sauce from breaking.
Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breast works too—just watch your cook time.
Stir gently after adding the cheese so the sauce stays smooth.
This pasta tastes best fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or water.
If the sauce looks thin at first, give it a minute or two over low heat—once the cheese melts in, it tightens up fast.

For the best results when making this creamy garlic chicken pasta, check out the full post. It includes extra notes, tips, and frequently asked questions that aren't listed in the recipe card — like how to make it dairy-free, gluten-free, or ideas for simple ingredient swaps.

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on the brands and products you use.

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