If you’re craving something creamy, garlicky, and completely comforting, this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is pure dinner magic. With tender chicken, a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together easily at home. I once made this using fettuccine instead of penne, and it turned out absolutely divine — the sauce clung to every strand! Whether for a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner, this pasta delivers rich, savory flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the definition of comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in under 30 minutes. The sauce is silky smooth, thanks to a blend of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, while the garlic and herbs create a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. You can serve it as-is for a cozy dinner or pair it with salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Plus, it’s a family-friendly dish that both kids and adults will love.
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Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta (Rich, Cheesy, and Irresistible)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Magic is a luxurious, one-pan dish packed with tender chicken, rich garlic-infused cream sauce, and perfectly coated pasta. It’s an easy, comforting meal that tastes like restaurant-quality Alfredo — but with a flavorful Parmesan twist.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup spinach or broccoli florets (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes (stirring occasionally) until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Add spinach or broccoli if using, and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and sliced thinly for quick, even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or linguine all work beautifully to hold that creamy sauce.
Butter – Adds richness and forms the base of the sauce.
Garlic – The star flavor! Freshly minced garlic adds bold, aromatic depth.
Heavy cream – Gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture. Half-and-half works too for a lighter option.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a rich, nutty flavor.
Chicken broth – Adds savory depth and helps balance the richness of the cream.
Olive oil – Used to sauté the chicken to golden perfection.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the garlic and cheese perfectly.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Parsley (optional) – Adds freshness and color for garnish.
Directions
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn it. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people and takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time — ready in just 30 minutes total.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also freeze the sauce separately for up to 1 month — just thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spinach Chicken Alfredo
Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra color and nutrition.
Mushroom Garlic Pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for a richer, earthier flavor.
Bacon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Crumble crispy bacon on top for a smoky, savory twist.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest to brighten up the sauce.
Shrimp Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood version that cooks in minutes.
Broccoli Chicken Pasta
Add steamed or roasted broccoli for texture and a pop of color.
Spicy Chicken Garlic Pasta
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it slightly by adding a bit of cream cheese or cornstarch slurry.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all hold the sauce beautifully.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, store the sauce and pasta separately to keep the texture fresh when reheating.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely — rotisserie chicken works great for this dish.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it a bit longer or add a little extra Parmesan cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, peas, or broccoli are delicious additions.
How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and stir it in gradually over low heat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s mild and creamy, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.
Can I freeze this pasta?
You can freeze the sauce, but the pasta is best made fresh for ideal texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and just the right touch of garlic and herbs, it’s a dish that feels special yet comes together in minutes. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something indulgent, this pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a dinner favorite!
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