Name: Pasta with Chicken and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 3/4 tbsp paprika; 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 12 oz pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp minced onion; 3 tbsp garlic paste; 1 tbsp dried shallots; 2 1/2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/3 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 1/2 tbsp gluten free flour; 1/3 cup chicken broth; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; 2 cups spinach (diced); 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded); Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 12 reviews

Let me introduce you to a true weeknight superstar: Pasta with Chicken and Garlic. This dish takes all the comfort of creamy pasta, infuses it with deeply aromatic garlic and perfectly seasoned chicken, and tosses in a pop of spinach for color and freshness. It’s shockingly easy to pull together in under 30 minutes, yet feels like something you’d happily order in a cozy Italian trattoria. Whether you’re trying to spice up your dinner routine or wow guests with minimal effort, Pasta with Chicken and Garlic will instantly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Pasta with Chicken and Garlic Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pasta with Chicken and Garlic recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each one brings a crucial element, whether it’s a hint of heat, luscious creaminess, or lovely bursts of color and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make your dish sing.

Chicken tenders: These cook quickly, stay juicy, and are easy to slice into perfect bites after cooking.
Olive oil: Brings a fruity richness to the chicken and helps the seasonings adhere beautifully.
Paprika: Use sweet or smoked for a subtle warmth and gorgeous color.
Italian seasoning: Adds an herby backbone to both the chicken and the sauce.
Garlic powder: Intensifies that garlicky flavor effortlessly.
Salt: Don’t skimp; seasoning is key for pasta dishes!
Black pepper: Just a hint livens up every bite.
Pasta: Choose your favorite shape—short or long, gluten-free if needed, all work beautifully here.
Butter: Creates a rich, luxurious base for sautéing the aromatics.
Minced onion: Provides sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
Garlic paste: For the most intense garlic punch, paired with the powder for layered flavor.
Dried shallots: A chef’s secret for a slightly sweet, deep undertone.
Tomato paste: Adds color, body, and a pinch of tang to balance the cream.
Gluten free flour: Lightly thickens the sauce without weighing it down; use all-purpose if gluten isn’t a concern.
Chicken broth: Boosts the savory notes of the sauce and ties everything together.
Heavy cream: The key to creaminess—don’t substitute here if you want the plush texture.
Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a welcome earthy note; chopping makes it more kid-friendly.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts in for saltiness and subtle nuttiness.
Chopped parsley: Brightens up the finished dish and makes it look restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Pasta with Chicken and Garlic

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by adding your chicken tenders into a bowl and showering them with olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to make sure every piece is glistening and smells absolutely delicious—this gives your Pasta with Chicken and Garlic its memorable flavor right from the first bite.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Get your pasta water going and cook according to your package directions, aiming for a perfect al dente texture. This step can happen while your chicken cooks. Once done, drain and set it aside. The pasta will finish cooking in that luscious sauce, soaking up even more flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium. Add your seasoned chicken and let it cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the pieces are cooked through and have a little golden crust. Use a quick-read thermometer if you like—165°F means they’re perfectly safe and juicy. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.

Step 4: Saute the Aromatics

In the same pan, drop in your butter and lower the heat a touch. Add minced onion, garlic paste, dried shallots, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant—your kitchen will start to smell like heaven at this point!

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle gluten free flour over the aromatic base and stir it in so it disappears. Now pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking as you go. Add the chopped spinach and watch the sauce start to thicken and become glossy after about 5 minutes. The spinach will wilt just right and the sauce will become creamy and completely irresistible.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish

Turn off the heat and stir in your freshly grated Parmesan. It’ll melt into the sauce, making it extra silky. Now gently add the drained pasta. Either slice your chicken into strips and mix it through, or nestle the chicken pieces right on top. Give everything a big stir and get ready for something truly special—Pasta with Chicken and Garlic at its best!

How to Serve Pasta with Chicken and Garlic

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley instantly brightens up each plate and adds freshness. For a finishing touch, top your Pasta with Chicken and Garlic with a little extra Parmesan and some freshly cracked black pepper. If you really want to impress, try a few shavings of lemon zest for a hint of citrus.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is almost non-negotiable here—it’s too perfect for mopping up the sauce. Pair your Pasta with Chicken and Garlic with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or serve some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli on the side for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate this dish for company by serving it family-style in a big, beautiful bowl, piled high and garnished with parsley and plenty of cheese. For a cozy dinner for two, try plating in shallow pasta bowls and layering the chicken elegantly. You can also finish the skillet under a broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese for an extra-special presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Pasta with Chicken and Garlic left over, stash it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It keeps well and actually develops a deeper flavor after some time in the fridge. Be sure to cool before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

You can freeze Pasta with Chicken and Garlic, though keep in mind that creamy sauces may change texture slightly after thawing. Use freezer-safe containers, cool the pasta completely before freezing, and plan to use it within 2 months for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to a pan, then gently heat the pasta over low to medium heat until warmed through, stirring to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover and reheat in intervals, stirring between to avoid drying out the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just cut the breast into strips so it cooks quickly and evenly. The tenderness will be very similar, and you can use the same seasoning and cooking method outlined for the tenders.

Is there a good vegetarian version of Pasta with Chicken and Garlic?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and double up on the spinach or toss in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian alternative.

What kind of pasta works best?

Most shapes work beautifully—penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or even gluten-free varieties. The key is cooking the pasta al dente so it holds together once combined with that creamy, garlicky sauce.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic paste?

Definitely! Mince or grate 3–4 cloves of fresh garlic and sauté it with the onion. Garlic paste just brings extra smoothness and intensity, but fresh is always delightful.

How spicy is this dish?

Pasta with Chicken and Garlic is not inherently spicy, but if you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes in with the aromatics or use hot paprika instead of sweet or smoked.

Final Thoughts

Pasta with Chicken and Garlic is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something memorable, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite comfort food, and your kitchen will be filled with the best kind of garlic-scented happiness.