Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. The silky garlic parmesan sauce coats every bite, making it a cozy and satisfying meal for any night of the week. It’s quick to prepare, indulgent without being heavy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless skinless chicken breastssaltblack peppergarlic powderolive oilbuttergarlicminced yellow onion (optional)chicken brothheavy creamparmesan cheesepasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)parsley or basil (for garnish)
directions
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest, then slice.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic (and onion if using) until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in grated parmesan cheese and mix until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley or basil.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Use grilled chicken for a smoky twist.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Top with crispy bacon or pancetta for extra richness.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy base.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut—just warm it in the sauce before serving.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine and penne are ideal, but any pasta will work.
Can I make it without cream?
Yes, use whole milk with a bit of butter, or try a cashew cream for dairy-free.
Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely—creamy, cheesy, and mild in flavor.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely—broccoli, peas, or spinach work great in this dish.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prep the sauce and chicken ahead and toss with pasta when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat and don’t let the sauce boil after adding cheese and cream.
What cheese works best?
Freshly grated parmesan melts best and gives the richest flavor.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, any pasta works—just cook according to package directions.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With tender chicken, rich parmesan sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, it’s a quick and flavorful dinner that delivers comfort and satisfaction with every bite. A guaranteed favorite for any night of the week.
Print
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish made right at home. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is paired with tender pasta and tossed in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s quick enough for weeknights but delicious enough to impress guests – pure comfort in a bowl!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced or pounded
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
-
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
-
2 tbsp butter
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
-
1 cup chicken broth
-
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter version)
-
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
-
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the chicken:
Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. -
Make the sauce:
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 more minute, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and cream. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Add cheese and season:
Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. -
Combine:
Slice cooked chicken and add it back to the pan. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until coated in the sauce. -
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Make it gluten-free with GF pasta and a GF flour substitute.
Great with grilled shrimp or mushrooms instead of chicken.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *