Garlicky Saucy Pasta That Brings Everyone to the Table

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When comfort food calls, this Garlicky Saucy Pasta answers with bold flavor and a creamy texture that’s impossible to resist. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with delicious aromas and draws everyone to the kitchen before it even hits the plate. With golden, pan-seared chicken, a rich tomato-garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is your next weeknight wonder.

The magic is in the sauce—infused with garlic, cream, and roasted tomatoes, it clings to each strand of spaghetti like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a cozy dinner, this recipe will hit the spot every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlicky Saucy Pasta

This dish brings together everything people love about pasta night: rich flavors, creamy texture, and just the right amount of spice. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough to serve when company comes over. The balance of garlic, tomato, and cream creates a sauce that’s both savory and satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—which means less cleanup!

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best With This Garlicky Sauce?

Spaghetti is a great go-to for this recipe because it holds the sauce well and twirls perfectly onto your fork. But don’t be afraid to switch it up with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. The key is using a pasta that can soak up all that flavorful garlic and tomato sauce. For a low-carb twist, you can also try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

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Ingredients for the Garlicky Saucy Pasta That Brings Everyone to the Table

Each ingredient in this dish has a role to play in creating its incredible flavor and comforting appeal:

• Chicken breast: Sliced and pan-seared, it adds protein and a golden, savory flavor to the dish.
• Spaghetti: The pasta base that brings everything together and delivers that classic texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: Roasted until soft, they burst with flavor and add a sweet acidity to the sauce.
• Garlic: The star of the show—fragrant and flavorful, it infuses the sauce with rich depth.
• Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, silky sauce that wraps around the pasta beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish and helps thicken the sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic for a smooth, flavorful base.
• Fresh parsley: Brings brightness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.

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How To Make the Garlicky Saucy Pasta That Brings Everyone to the Table

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breast slices with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Lower the heat and add heavy cream to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Finish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

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How to Serve and Store Garlicky Saucy Pasta

This recipe generously feeds 4 hungry people and serves as a full meal on its own. Serve it hot from the skillet, with a sprinkle of parsley and extra cheese. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or water and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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What to Serve With Garlicky Saucy Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Double up on the garlic and serve this pasta with crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

Caesar Salad

The cool crunch and tangy dressing of a Caesar salad pairs perfectly with the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Add a side of roasted broccoli or zucchini for a simple, healthy complement.

Red Wine

A light red wine like Pinot Noir balances the creamy tomato sauce and brings out the flavors.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

Keep it refreshing and light by serving a chilled glass of lemon-infused sparkling water.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and add even more flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, though it’s best served fresh. If you’re meal prepping, keep the pasta and sauce separate until reheating to maintain texture.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute the cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan for a similar result.

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
No problem. You can use canned diced tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.

Where can I find more pasta ideas like this?
Check out our Dinner Ideas and Easy Recipes sections for more saucy, satisfying meals.

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