Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal that never fails to impress. Tender pieces of chicken are tossed in a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. The flavors are rich yet balanced, with hints of butter, garlic, and freshly grated cheese in every bite. What I love most about this recipe is that it’s both elegant enough for guests and easy enough for busy weeknights. I tried it once with a handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end, and it added a lovely freshness without taking away from the creamy indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this pasta dish delivers that restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Comfort Food Perfection
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy, restaurant-style dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
The base of the dish that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
Chicken breasts or thighs
Lean, tender protein that soaks up all the flavors from the sauce.
Garlic
Freshly minced for bold, aromatic flavor.
Butter
Adds richness and forms the base of the sauce.
Heavy cream
Creates a luxurious, velvety texture for the parmesan sauce.
Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated parmesan adds saltiness and deep umami flavor.
Chicken broth
Thins the sauce slightly while adding savory depth.
Olive oil
Used for searing the chicken to a golden brown.
Salt and black pepper
Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Italian seasoning
A mix of herbs that complements the creamy, garlicky sauce.
Parsley (optional)
Freshly chopped parsley for garnish and color.
Directions
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually whisk in grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and reserve some pasta water. Slice the chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra parmesan.
Servings and timing
Serves 4. Preparation time is 10 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes—ready in about 35 minutes total.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Spinach and mushroom version
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Spicy twist
Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Bacon lovers’ pasta
Crumble crispy bacon into the sauce for smoky richness.
Low-carb option
Serve the creamy chicken over zoodles or spaghetti squash.
Cheese upgrade
Mix in mozzarella or asiago for an extra cheesy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, use whole milk and a bit of flour for a lighter sauce.
What pasta shape works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine all hold the sauce well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh for the creamiest texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low and stir constantly while adding the cheese.
Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
Freshly grated melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but you can add chili flakes if desired.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth is GF.
What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread or a fresh salad pairs perfectly.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken makes this even faster.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is everything you crave in a comforting meal—rich, creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor. Simple to make yet restaurant-worthy, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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