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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

A delightful comfort food that combines tender chicken strips in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: comfort food, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Garlic chicken, Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650kcal

Ingredients

Spices

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into long strips
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguini
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, white pepper, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

Cooking Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of spaghetti or linguini, cooking according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Cooking Chicken

  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and season with half of the spice mix. Cook for about 3 minutes until browned.
  • Flip the chicken to cook the other side. Season with the remaining spice mix and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until thoroughly cooked.

Making the Sauce

  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits stuck on the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes to thicken.

Serving

  • Place a generous portion of pasta on a plate. Top with the creamy chicken mixture and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

Don’t rush the chicken: Browning adds flavor, preventing rubbery texture. Always cook pasta al dente, as it will soften when mixed with hot sauce. Add fresh herbs for enhanced flavor or red pepper flakes for some heat.