When it comes to comfort food that hits every note—creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying—creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the real MVP. Whether you’re juggling a busy weekday or planning a cozy dinner in, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Even better? You can toss it in a slow cooker and let it work its magic while you handle life.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy, Rich & Crave-Worthy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
- This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces tossed with pasta in a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta and chicken into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Boiling
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish may sound gourmet, but it’s built from simple pantry staples and everyday ingredients that come together in a big way. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta taste like pure comfort on a plate.
Main Ingredients
Salt and pepper to taste
Season in layers to build flavor
2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Tender protein that shreds beautifully and soaks up flavor
12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or fettuccine work great)
Choose a shape that holds sauce well
4–6 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic gives the sauce its bold and savory backbone
1 cup heavy cream
For that ultra-creamy, luscious base
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Adds thickness and tang to balance the richness
1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Use fresh for the smoothest melt and best flavor
1 cup chicken broth
Thins the sauce without watering down the flavor
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Used to sauté garlic and brown the chicken
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is all about ease and comfort. Whether you’re making it in a crockpot or on the stovetop, the steps are simple—and the flavor payoff is massive. Let’s break it down.
Crockpot Method (Set It and Forget It)
This is the ultimate hands-off version—perfect for busy days.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place chicken breasts at the bottom. Top with garlic, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices (like chili flakes or Italian seasoning). - Cook on Low or High
- Low: 5–6 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
Cook until chicken is fully tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the Chicken
Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. It should fall apart with no resistance. - Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Add the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Add Cooked Pasta
Cook pasta separately to al dente, then fold it into the creamy chicken mixture. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld.
Variations and Customizations for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is delicious as-is, but it’s also super flexible. Here’s how you can make it your own:
Protein Swaps
- Shrimp or sausage for a fun twist
- Rotisserie chicken to save time
- Tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version
Flavor Add-Ins
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Lemon zest to brighten the richness
- Spinach or broccoli for added greens
Texture Upgrades
- Top with mozzarella and broil for a bubbly finish
- Breadcrumbs or parmesan crust for crunch
- Bake it casserole-style for a cozy crowd-pleaser
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I make this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta without cream cheese?
Yes! While cream cheese adds a velvety texture, you can skip it. Replace it with extra heavy cream or use a little Greek yogurt for tang. Just watch the thickness and adjust as needed.
What’s the best pasta to use for garlic parmesan chicken?
Rotini, penne, or fettuccine are all great choices. They hold onto the sauce well and keep their shape. Avoid thin noodles like angel hair—they can get mushy quickly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Use unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream in place of the dairy. Swap in a dairy-free cheese like nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for flavor.
Is garlic parmesan sauce the same as Alfredo?
Not exactly. Garlic parmesan sauce is sharper and more garlic-heavy, while Alfredo is richer and relies more on butter and cream. Both are delicious—but different.
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