Hey y'all! If you're craving a decadent comfort meal that comes together quickly and hits all the right notes, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is just what you need. Juicy chicken, rich parmesan, and a luscious creamy sauce coat every bite of pasta—making it perfect for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you want to treat yourself. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Ready in just 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with bold garlic and parmesan flavor in every bite.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
- Super creamy and satisfying—total comfort food!
- Easily customizable for picky eaters or dietary needs.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low, then gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor; pre-shredded parmesan may not blend as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—remove it as soon as it’s golden and cooked through to keep it juicy.
- For more about making creamy sauces, check out this guide to cream sauces.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Variations
- Spinach & Mushroom: Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach and 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the sauce for extra veggies.
- Bacon Lover's: Add ½ cup cooked, chopped bacon for a smoky kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly meal.
Required Equipment for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or steamed broccoli for freshness.
- Pair with crusty garlic bread to soak up that dreamy sauce.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding cream.
- Always use full-fat dairy for the richest, silkiest sauce.
- Check out this guide to perfectly cooked chicken for more tips!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Thighs will add even more flavor and stay extra juicy—just adjust your cook time as needed.
- Can I make this dish ahead?
- You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but for best texture, combine everything just before serving.
- What type of pasta works best?
- Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work great—they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
For more info on the health benefits of garlic and parmesan, read this health guide to garlic.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
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5Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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6Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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