Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the kind of comfort food you’ll find yourself craving on even the busiest weeknights. Tender bites of chicken, rich garlicky cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in one heavenly dish that tastes like something straight out of your favorite restaurant — but it’s all made in one pan and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor, yet so easy to whip up. Ideal for when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From stovetop to plate in around 30 minutes — ideal for weeknights when time is tight.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The garlic and Parmesan create a bold, savory base that’s absolutely irresistible.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, less cleanup, and all the flavor in one skillet.
• Family-Friendly: This is one of those meals everyone can agree on. Even picky eaters love it.
• Perfectly Creamy: The sauce is smooth, rich, and clings to every bite of pasta and chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this luscious pasta:

• Pasta: Fettuccine or penne are excellent choices, but any pasta that holds sauce well will work. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for quick cooking. Slice thinly for faster, even cooking.
• Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic — it’s the star of the show and gives the dish its signature depth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly and doesn’t deliver the same flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so luxuriously creamy. Avoid substitutions like milk unless you’re adjusting for dietary needs.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop the garlic flavor when sautéed.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken with a golden, flavorful crust.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Season as you go!
• Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the cream while adding a savory base to the sauce.
• Parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of freshness and color to the final dish.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on it? Go for it! Here are a few easy ways to switch it up:

• Add Veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or peas are great additions that pair beautifully with the sauce.
• Spicy Twist: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce adds a kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the creamy chicken over zoodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
• Alternative Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even cooked Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant — don’t let it brown!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan, whisking until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce. If it’s too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it’s silky and smooth.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley, more Parmesan if you like, and serve immediately while it’s piping hot and creamy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter fast. Keep a close eye when sautéing.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and makes the sauce creamy without clumps.
• Reserve Pasta Water: It helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
• Slice Chicken Evenly: This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry spots.
• Low and Slow for the Sauce: Let it simmer gently so the cream doesn’t curdle or separate.

How to Serve

This pasta is a full meal on its own, but a few simple sides can really elevate your dinner:

With Bread:

Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread or a buttery dinner roll to soak up every bit of sauce.

With Salad:

A crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

With Wine:

Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio for a delicious dinner treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but a splash of milk or broth during reheating will bring it back to life.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best eaten fresh. However, if needed, freeze in a tightly sealed container and reheat gently on the stovetop with added cream or broth to re-emulsify.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a little extra cream or broth. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Just dice it and toss it in during the final mixing stage. It’s a great time-saver and still tastes fantastic.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, though it changes the flavor. Use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Choose one with a neutral flavor for best results.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using half-and-half as a middle ground.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all — it’s very mild. But you can absolutely add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want to heat things up.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is what comfort food dreams are made of — creamy, garlicky, full of savory chicken and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or just need a quick, delicious meal after a long day, this one checks all the boxes. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite.

Print