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20-Minute Lazy Dinner Ideas: Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Lazy dinner ideas
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A quick and easy creamy garlic chicken pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for topping
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1–2 cups baby spinach (optional)
  • Chopped parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Make the sauce: In the same pot (or a large skillet), melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cream it up: Stir in cream and broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  4. Melt cheese: Stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, splash in reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  5. Add chicken + pasta: Stir in shredded chicken and the drained pasta. Toss until everything is coated.
  6. Finish: Fold in spinach (if using) and cook 1 minute just until wilted. Top with extra Parmesan and herbs.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep
  • Add extra vegetables if desired
  • Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days

Nutrition

Keywords: quick weeknight dinners, easy dinner recipes, low effort meals, 15 minute dinners, simple dinner ideas

Find it online: https://jessicarecipe.com/lazy-dinner-ideas-creamy-garlic-chicken-pasta/