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Homemade Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe photo

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

A comforting, creamy garlic pasta with pan-seared chicken, tomatoes, and spinach that comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 10 ounces dry pasta any kind
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomatoes diced
  • 2 cups spinach chopped, optional
  • 2 cups heavy cream or 16 oz
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded or grated
  • salt additional to taste
  • black pepper additional to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Kitchen knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside; remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, then sauté the minced garlic about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add diced tomatoes and chopped spinach (if using) and cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes are softened and spinach is wilted.
  6. Lower the heat, pour in the heavy cream and whisk in the Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy; season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Slice or cube the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and toss to combine and coat with the sauce.
  8. Serve immediately, adjusting seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Use any pasta shape you prefer.
  • Spinach is optional and can be omitted or substituted.
  • For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan for best flavor.