Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup chicken broth; 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked and drained; ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish; Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 79 reviews

If you’ve been on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is here to answer your cravings. This dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a heavenly garlic-parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. It’s rich but balanced, simple to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how accessible and straightforward its ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture that make this meal truly special.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken and adds richness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant mix of herbs to elevate the chicken’s flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice for subtle warmth.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient that infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky base of the sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty richness that defines the pasta’s signature flavor.
½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked and drained: The perfect vehicle to hold the sauce and chicken together.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds extra creaminess and rounds out the sauce’s flavor.
½ cup reserved pasta water: Used as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside; this step builds the flavorful foundation your sauce will marry with.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute just until it’s fragrant—this step releases those mouthwatering aromas that make the kitchen instantly inviting. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, which usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. This slow melding creates that signature creamy texture you’re seeking.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently stirring it into the sauce so each piece is coated with that luscious creaminess. Then add your cooked, drained pasta and toss everything to combine. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This trick ensures every strand of pasta is perfectly coated and glossy.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a beautiful burst of vibrant green, lifting the dish visually and adding a subtle herbaceous note. For cheese lovers, a dusting of extra Parmesan on top is a delightful finishing touch that takes this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe to a new level of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed with tangy vinaigrettes, which cut through the richness nicely. Garlic bread or warm, crusty bread is also a classic side that’s perfect for mopping up every last drop of the creamy sauce. Simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add color and a pleasant crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or ramekins for a charming, elevated presentation. You can also layer the pasta in a casserole dish for a make-ahead bake, topped with breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunchy finish. These touches can turn a weeknight favorite into a stylish meal for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, so don’t worry—it’s easy to loosen it back up when reheating by adding a splash of milk or broth.

Freezing

You can freeze this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in portioned containers for up to two months. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces can change texture slightly after freezing, so consider freezing the sauce separately from the pasta and chicken if possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat using a stovetop or microwave. On the stove, warm over low heat and stir frequently, adding a bit of cream, broth, or milk to return the sauce to its silky state. In the microwave, reheat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are traditional and hold the sauce well, feel free to use any pasta you prefer or have on hand, like rigatoni, farfalle, or even gluten-free options—this recipe adapts beautifully.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to lighten the dish, though the sauce will be less thick and luscious. Using Greek yogurt as a mix-in after cooking is another way to add creaminess with fewer calories.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Certainly! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes complement the flavors perfectly while adding nutrients and color. Add them when you sauté the garlic to meld all the flavors together.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Make sure to cook the sauce gently over medium heat and stir constantly once the cheese is added. Avoid boiling; gentle simmering ensures the sauce stays smooth and creamy. Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated helps with better melting, too.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook and season the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta in advance but keep it slightly undercooked to avoid mushiness. Assemble and heat everything when ready to serve for a quicker dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. It’s rich, comforting, and irresistibly satisfying, yet straightforward enough to whip up any night of the week. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite meal to impress both family and friends while enjoying a cozy, homemade dinner.