🍝 Velvety Garlic Chicken Pasta
This ultra-creamy garlic chicken pasta is rich, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes. It's a perfect quick dinner or meal prep favourite - and yes, it freezes like a dream.
Info
Prep time:
Cooking time:
Difficulty:
Serves:
Nut-Free, Egg-Free
10 mins
35 mins
Easy
4
Sugars
8g
Kcal
685
Fibre
6g
Fat
22g
Protein
39g
Saturates
13g
Salt
0.5g
Carbs
81g
Info
Cooking time:
Prep time:
10 mins
Nut-Free, Egg-Free
Difficulty:
Serves:
35 mins
Easy
4
Info
~N/A~
Prep time:
Cooking time:
~N/A~
Difficulty:
~N/A~
Serves:
~N/A~
Dietary Types
Sugars
8g
Fibre
6g
Protein
39g
Salt
0.5g
Info
Prep time:
Cooking time:
Difficulty:
Serves:
Nut-Free, Egg-Free
10 mins
35 mins
Easy
4
Sugars
~N/A~
Fibre
~N/A~
Protein
~N/A~
Salt
~N/A~
Info
Prep time:
~N/A~
Cooking time:
~N/A~
Difficulty:
~N/A~
Serves:
~N/A~
Dietary Types
Kcal
~N/A~
Fat
~N/A~
Saturates
~N/A~
Carbs
~N/A~
Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 200g light soft cheese
• 300g short pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 25g grated parmesan (optional)
• Handful of parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and fry for 7–10 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, cook the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan along with the soft cheese and a splash of water. Stir until creamy and heated through.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water according to packet instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, loosening with the reserved water if needed. Mix well and serve topped with parmesan and parsley if using.
Healthy Swaps & Tips:
• Use light soft cheese or reduced-fat cream cheese to lower calories
• Swap pasta for wholewheat or lentil pasta for extra fibre
• Add baby spinach or broccoli for more greens
• Try with turkey or lean chicken breast for a leaner protein
• Freeze leftovers in portions - it reheats beautifully
Storage & Meal Prep:
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month - defrost thoroughly before reheating
• Ideal for batch cooking and weekday lunches
• Add a splash of water or milk when reheating to bring back creaminess
Ideal For:
• Families looking for a comforting dinner
• Busy professionals needing a fast, filling meal
• Gym-goers after a high-protein, high-carb post-workout option
• Students craving a creamy classic with a healthier twist
• Anyone who meal preps and loves pasta