Budget Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

A rich and creamy stove-top pasta with tender chicken and plenty of garlic. It is an easy, budget-friendly meal for two to three people.

⏱ prep 10 min🔥 cook 25 min🍽 3 servingsEasy

🧺 Ingredients

5 ingredients we don't carry yet — check your pantry or the palengke for those.

spaghetti pasta · 250 gnot available in our shop yetunavailable

💡 Any affordable local pasta brand will work.

Swap idea: Elbow macaroni — Use the same weight and cook according to the package instructions.

boneless chicken thigh fillet · 300 g, cut into bite-sized piecesnot available in our shop yetunavailable

💡 Chicken thigh stays juicy and is often cheaper than breast fillet.

Swap idea: Chicken breast fillet — Slice thinly and avoid overcooking so it stays tender.

garlic · 8 clove, mincedGarlic 250g · ₱50

💡 Use less garlic if you prefer a milder flavor.

all-purpose cream · 250 mlnot available in our shop yetunavailable

💡 Chill unopened extra packs for future pasta or dessert recipes.

Swap idea: Evaporated milk — Use 250 ml and add one extra tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce.

quick-melt cheese · 60 g, gratednot available in our shop yetunavailable

💡 Processed cheese slices may also work. Tear them into small pieces first.

Swap idea: Cheddar cheese — Use the same amount for a sharper and slightly saltier flavor.

small onion · 1 piece, finely choppedoptionalShallot 250g · ₱40

💡 You may skip this when unavailable, but it adds sweetness to the sauce.

cooking oil · 1 tbspCooking Oil 1.5L Palm · ₱135

💡 Use any neutral cooking oil already available at home.

all-purpose flour · 1 tbspnot available in our shop yetunavailable

💡 This helps the sauce coat the pasta without needing more cream.

Swap idea: Cornstarch — Mix 2 teaspoons with 2 tablespoons of cold water before adding.

salt · 1 tspSalt Refined 250g · ₱8.75

💡 Use some for the pasta water. Adjust the remaining amount after adding cheese.

ground black pepper · 0.5 tspBlack Pepper Ground 50g · ₱23.50

💡 Add more before serving if you enjoy a stronger pepper flavor.

👩‍🍳 How to cook it

1
Prepare the ingredients~7 min
Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic, chop the onion, and grate the cheese. Season the chicken with a small pinch of salt and black pepper.
- 💡 Smaller chicken pieces cook faster and are easier to mix with the pasta.
- 💡 Prepare everything before turning on the stove because the sauce cooks quickly.
🍳 knife · chopping board · grater · small bowls
2
Cook the pasta~10 min
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add about half of the salt, then add the spaghetti. Cook until tender but still slightly firm. Before draining, save 150 ml of pasta water.
- 💡 Check the package for the suggested cooking time.
- 💡 Do not rinse the pasta. The starch helps the sauce stick.
🍳 large pot · wooden spoon · measuring cup · strainer
3
Cook the chicken~7 min
Heat the cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the chicken in one layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- 💡 Do not crowd the pan, or the chicken may release too much water.
- 💡 The chicken is cooked when the center is no longer pink.
🍳 wide frying pan · wooden spoon · plate
4

🍽 Serving: Divide the pasta among two large or three regular plates. Place the chicken pieces on top and add extra grated cheese or black pepper. Serve with toasted pandesal, garlic bread, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.

🧊 Leftovers: Cool leftovers quickly, place them in a covered container, and refrigerate within two hours. Eat within two days because the Philippine climate is warm and creamy dishes spoil easily.

♨️ Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat. Add one to two tablespoons of water or milk and stir gently until creamy and hot. Avoid very high heat because it can make the sauce oily.

~690 kcal per serving · Rough estimate for three servings only. Actual values will vary by pasta, cream, cheese, and chicken brands.