Easy & Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: Budget-Friendly Dinner

Name: Easy & Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: Budget-Friendly Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 2 large (approx. 400g) units Chicken Breasts (sliced into bite-sized pieces); 300 grams Penne Pasta (or any pasta of your choice); 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 cup Heavy Cream (240ml); 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (120ml); 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, plus more for garnish); 3 cups Fresh Spinach (packed); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 tablespoon Butter; 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)

Learn how to make a delicious and budget-friendly creamy garlic chicken pasta that tastes like it's from a fancy restaurant! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach. An easy home-cooked meal inspired by your favorite Italian-American flavors, proving that dinner on a budget can still be absolutely delicious.

#Budget-Friendly

#Easy Dinner

#Chicken Pasta

#Creamy Sauce

#Weeknight Meal

#Home Cooked

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta ready to serve

Recipe Information

15m

Prep Time

25m

Cook Time

40m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

American-Italian

English

Nutrition (per serving)

620

Calories

38g

Protein

50g

Carbs

30g

Fat

Close-up of the delicious pasta

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Serving bowl of pasta with fresh garnish

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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10m
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
10m
Always salt your pasta water generously for better flavor.
2
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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8m
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While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
8m
Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure chicken browns evenly.

3
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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2m
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2m
Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so watch it closely.
4
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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5m
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Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5m
A little reserved pasta water can be added if the sauce is too thick.
5
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
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3m
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Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
3m
Don't overcook the spinach; it wilts quickly.

6
Serve the creamy garlic chicken pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious budget-friendly meal!
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1m
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Serve the creamy garlic chicken pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious budget-friendly meal!
1m
Pair with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.