Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish that brings together juicy chicken breast, aromatic garlic, and a blend of cheeses in a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both hearty and comforting, with layers of flavor from sautéed garlic, Italian herbs, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 10 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for added color and nutrition)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Add the chicken broth, milk, and uncooked pasta to the pan.
- Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Make It Cheesy
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
5. Add Chicken and Spinach
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
- Add the spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until wilted.
6. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping into the sauce.
- A Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- A glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon to balance the richness.
Tips & Variations:
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut—just stir it in at the end.
- Add veggies like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap the pasta: Try fettuccine, shells, or even gluten-free pasta.
This Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Want a baked version with a golden crust or a low-carb twist using zucchini noodles? I’d love to help you whip that up next!