Creamy Garlic and Rosemary Pasta with Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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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.

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