If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that marries juicy chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Guaranteed to wow everyone at your table, this dish is the dreamy answer to busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Imagine forkfuls of rich, garlicky cream sauce twirling around tender chicken and pasta, all finished off with a shower of parmesan and fresh parsley. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe brings a restaurant-worthy meal right to your home—with just the right balance of indulgence, convenience, and wow factor.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the secret here—each one plays a key role in creating a dish that’s both rich and unforgettable. You don’t need a long shopping list, just fresh staples that harmonize for maximum flavor, texture, and color. Here’s a quick rundown so you can see how every piece fits into your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe:

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the creamy sauce.
Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps the chicken moist and adds a fruity richness to the pan.
Garlic: Don’t hold back—garlic is the star of this show and fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma.
Heavy cream: The backbone of the sauce, heavy cream creates that dreamy, luscious texture everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan; it melts quickly and brings unparalleled depth and nuttiness.
Italian seasoning: A pinch brings herbal brightness and subtle warmth to the whole dish.
Black pepper: Just enough for a gentle kick and to round out the flavors.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta—taste as you go!
Pasta (fettuccine or penne): Pick your favorite shape—fettuccine clings to the sauce, while penne scoops it up in every bite.
Reserved pasta water: Don’t skip it! This starchy liquid helps you reach the perfect sauce consistency.
Butter: Butter delivers that last hit of richness and brings everything together.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fragrant final touch that brightens up each plate.
Extra Parmesan for garnish (optional): Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your chosen pasta—whether you love fettuccine’s classic ribbons or penne’s hearty tubes. Stir occasionally and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t rush to drain everything: scoop out about half a cup of that glorious starchy water for the sauce, then drain the pasta and set it aside. You’re already halfway to a fabulous Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkling them with salt and black pepper as they sizzle. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden crust before stirring occasionally. After about 6–8 minutes, you should have perfectly cooked, irresistibly juicy chicken pieces. Remove them from the skillet and keep them close—you’ll need them soon!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (keep those tasty browned bits!), add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until it smells heavenly but doesn’t brown. Now, pour in the heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, stirring with purpose. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 3–4 minutes until it thickens ever so slightly and the cheese melts into silky perfection.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything so the sauce coats every strand and morsel. Now comes the magic: drizzle in reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your ideal creamy consistency. Some people love it thick and luscious; others prefer a sauce that just clings to the noodles. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—a pinch more salt or pepper, if you like.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe into bowls or onto plates, finishing each serving with a flurry of extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you wish. Serve immediately for the ultimate comfort meal experience!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A spectacular garnish elevates your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe from simple to stunning. I love a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for its bright color and freshness, and a snowfall of extra grated Parmesan. For fun, try a twist of cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon for a little zest.

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta with crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to mop up every creamy drop. Lightly roasted or steamed vegetables—think asparagus, broccoli, or green beans—offer fresh balance and a burst of color alongside the rich pasta. Add a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, scoop your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe into a large serving platter and let guests help themselves, family style. For a fun twist, serve it in individual shallow bowls with a parmesan crisp tucked on the side or pile it gently into a hollowed parmesan wheel for major wow factor. Add a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving for extra shine and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps its magic for about 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before storing, and cover tightly to keep everything fresh. The sauce may thicken overnight, but a quick reheat will restore its silkiness.

Freezing

While this pasta tastes best freshly made, you can freeze individual portions if needed. Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a month. Keep in mind that cream sauces can sometimes separate when thawed, but a gentle reheat and a splash of milk or cream help revive the texture.

Reheating

To reheat your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, place leftovers in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of reserved pasta water, broth, or cream as it heats to loosen the sauce and ensure everything turns out just as luscious as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! Swap in any pasta you love or have on hand. Fettuccine and penne both work beautifully in the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, but rotini, linguine, or rigatoni are equally delicious.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy milk combined with a touch of nutritional yeast for flavor.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Try adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a handful of spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes also gives a gentle kick!

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely! Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is mild, rich, and full of familiar flavors that kids usually love. You can always leave out extra pepper or customize the herbs to suit your crew.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for guests?

Yes! Assemble the entire dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then reheat gently just before your guests arrive. Make sure to save some pasta water to refresh the sauce as it warms up.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is everything your dinner dreams are made of. Treat yourself or someone you love to this easy, soul-satisfying dish—you might just find it becomes your new go-to favorite!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish with this delightful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings come together in a luscious sauce that coats every strand of fettuccine or penne perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons butter
Optional: chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, pour in cream, simmer, then stir in Parmesan and seasonings until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta and chicken back to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.