Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred type); 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a luxurious, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. This one-pot meal is satisfying, flavorful, and ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers everything you want in a hearty pasta meal—juicy chicken, a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, and comforting carbs. It’s quick enough for a busy evening yet rich and impressive enough to serve to guests. The ingredients are easy to find, and the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite variety)
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Butter
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan.
Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Vegetarian option: Omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Add vegetables: Broccoli, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes can be tossed in for more flavor and texture.
Cheese blend: Mix Parmesan with mozzarella or Asiago for a different flavor profile.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a little flour or cream cheese to thicken it.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne or rotini hold the sauce well, but long noodles like fettuccine also work beautifully.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check all labels on cream and cheese for gluten content.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, add it toward the end to warm through in the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low and avoid boiling the cream after adding cheese.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can make the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when serving.

What herbs can I substitute?

Thyme, basil, or oregano can replace Italian seasoning.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce.

How do I get a thicker sauce?

Let it simmer a bit longer or add a spoonful of cream cheese for more body.

What sides pair well with this?

Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleasing, restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. With its rich, savory sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s a satisfying meal that brings comfort to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or an intimate gathering, this pasta dish is sure to impress.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Slice cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
Add drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.