Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — this garlic chicken pasta is the perfect comfort meal. Tender, golden chicken and perfectly cooked penne coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. A restaurant-style dinner made easily at home, perfect for family nights and date nights alike.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Boil the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Melt the butter in the same pan, add the minced garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the Italian seasoning, cooked chicken, and pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together. Stir in the spinach, if using, until just wilted.
- Add the pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the perfect creamy consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Reserved pasta water is liquid gold — its starch makes the sauce silky and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Take the pan off the heat before adding the Parmesan so the sauce stays smooth, never grainy.
- Save this creamy pasta recipe for your next cozy dinner — it never disappoints.