🧄 Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta – The Viral Dinner Everyone Is Making
If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and insanely delicious dinner, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need tonight. Ready in just 20 minutes, this viral recipe has taken over social media for one simple reason: it tastes like a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich garlic cream sauce come together in one pan for the ultimate cozy dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
⭐ Why This Recipe Is Going Viral
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Ready in 20 minutes
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One-pan creamy garlic sauce
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Family-friendly & picky-eater approved
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Perfect for Pinterest & Google Discover
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Customizable with veggies or protein swaps
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Pasta & Sauce
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250 g (8 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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5 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the flavorful brown bits.
Add heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet.
Toss everything together, adding pasta water if needed for extra creaminess.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
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Use freshly grated parmesan (pre-shredded won’t melt as well)
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Don’t overcook garlic – it burns fast!
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Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition
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Swap chicken for shrimp if you want a seafood version
🔄 Variations You’ll Love
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Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta: Add extra chili flakes
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Healthy Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
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Cheesy Upgrade: Add mozzarella for ultra-stretchy goodness
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (SEO Boost)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze creamy garlic chicken pasta?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but it’s possible for up to 1 month.
What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best to hold the creamy sauce.