Creamy Garlic and Rosemary Pasta with Chicken
Al dente pasta tossed in a velvety sauce of garlic, rosemary, and cream, paired with tender chicken breast pieces. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add 2 lbs chicken cubes and cook for 6 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped rosemary to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Return chicken to skillet, add drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until melted and glossy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Garlic and Rosemary Pasta with Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Garlic and Rosemary Pasta with Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Garlic and Rosemary Pasta with Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Garlic and Rosemary Pasta with Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Creamy Garlic and Rosemary Pasta with Chicken?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best pasta recipe I've ever tried. The garlic and rosemary complement each other beautifully.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this pasta. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the sauce was so creamy.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! The rosemary and garlic made the pasta incredibly aromatic and delicious.
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