Smokey Garlic Chicken Pasta: Your Ultimate Creamy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Welcome to your new favorite pasta dish! If you’re anything like me, you have a deep appreciation for creamy chicken pasta recipes. There’s just something inherently comforting and utterly delicious about tender chicken tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, velvety sauce. Our Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a testament to this, offering a heartwarming meal that truly hits the spot.

I’ve been on a mission to explore the diverse world of chicken and pasta combinations, and this Creamy Chicken Pasta comes together in mere minutes, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. But today, we’re diving into something even more special: a pasta dish that brings a unique twist to the classic creamy chicken formula with an irresistible smokey garlic flavor. Get ready for a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds sing!

The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Tangy & Smokey Chicken

This Smokey Garlic Chicken Pasta might not be entirely guilt-free in the traditional sense, but it strikes a wonderful balance. Instead of heavy cream, we achieve a luxuriously creamy and flavorful sauce using a combination of half-and-half and skim milk. This means you get all the indulgence without an overwhelming calorie count. While it’s certainly not a broccoli salad, it’s a comforting meal you can feel good about enjoying.

Now, let’s talk about the star of this dish: the chicken. The method here might sound a tad unconventional, but trust me, it’s pure genius. We marinate and bake boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a blend of zesty Italian dressing and rich, smokey barbecue sauce. This combination creates an incredible depth of flavor that is both tangy and perfectly smokey. The dressing tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with herbaceous notes, while the barbecue sauce adds that irresistible smoky sweetness that truly sets this recipe apart. The result is succulent, perfectly cooked chicken bursting with complex flavors.

Once the chicken is baked to tender perfection, it’s easily shredded with two forks right in its baking dish. This is a crucial step, as all those delicious juices and the remaining Italian dressing and barbecue sauce are then incorporated directly into the pasta. These flavorful remnants contribute significantly to the overall creaminess and depth of the final sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with that unique tangy-smokey goodness.

A Tried and True Crowd-Pleaser

I’ve been making this particular Smokey Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe for years, and it has consistently earned rave reviews. From casual family dinners to gatherings with friends, and even as a thoughtful meal delivered to loved ones, everyone who tries it falls in love. It’s a versatile dish that yields a generous amount, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have delightful leftovers for the next day. No need to worry about cooking too much – this pasta is just as fantastic, if not more so, on day two!

To complete this incredible meal, I highly recommend serving this creamy chicken pasta with a crisp side salad to add a fresh counterpoint, or for ultimate comfort, pair it with some warm, crusty Cheesy Garlic Bread. Because, let’s be honest, what could possibly complement creamy pasta better than more buttery, garlicky carbs? It’s a match made in culinary heaven!

For those who truly want to indulge, you absolutely can substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half and skim milk. This would undoubtedly result in an even richer, more decadent sauce that is over-the-top amazing. However, I can assure you, the lighter version is so incredibly good and satisfying that you won’t even miss the extra calories. It’s a testament to the robust flavor profile developed by the unique chicken marinade and the garlic-infused creamy base.

★★★★★

4.78 from 18 votes

Smokey Garlic Chicken Pasta

By
Erin Sellin

Smokey Garlic Chicken Pasta – A creamy chicken pasta recipe bursting with flavor. A delightful blend of smokey, peppery, and utterly delicious notes!

Prep:
5 minutes

Cook:
40 minutes

Total:
45 minutes

Servings:
6

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Ingredients

▢ 16 oz . Pasta, any short cut will do, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle
▢ 3/4 cup half and half
▢ 1/4 cup skim milk
▢ 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
▢ 2 large garlic cloves, minced or grated for maximum flavor
▢ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
▢ 1/2 Tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
▢ 1/2 cup bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
▢ 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
▢ 1 1/2 cups Italian Dressing, your favorite brand
▢ 1/4 cup Barbecue Sauce, for that signature smokey tang

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a shallow baking dish, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pour the Italian dressing and barbecue sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and, using two forks, shred it directly in the baking dish with all the flavorful juices and sauce. Set aside.
While the chicken is baking, cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, which can be used to thin the sauce if needed.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced or grated garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the half-and-half, skim milk, freshly ground black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and gently simmering. Stir in the crumbled, cooked bacon. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded smokey garlic chicken (along with any pan juices), and the creamy sauce. Toss gently until everything is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. To serve, portion generously and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

This recipe is a delightful adaptation inspired by the original from Kevin & Amanda, with our unique smokey twist.

Tips for Success:

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Italian dressing and barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before baking.
Don’t overcook your pasta! Al dente ensures the best texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the black pepper.
Feel free to add some chopped fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta at the end for added vegetables and color.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes, Main Course

Cuisine:
American, Italian-Inspired

Servings:
6

Calories:
454

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