Introduction
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is it! Tender chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in one irresistible dish that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food made right at home.
It’s a recipe that Pinterest users love to save because it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but also elegant enough to serve for date night or family gatherings. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s guaranteed to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
History / Background
Creamy pasta dishes have roots in Italian cuisine, with classics like Alfredo inspiring countless variations across the globe. While traditional Italian versions may be simpler with just butter, garlic, and cheese, American-style recipes often take it up a notch with heavy cream and extra seasonings. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a fusion of both worlds: rich, creamy, and indulgent while still being easy and approachable for home cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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🕒 Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
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🧄 Packed with Flavor – Garlic and Parmesan make a classic, bold combo.
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🍗 Protein-Packed – Juicy chicken makes it hearty and satisfying.
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👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
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💰 Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
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🍝 Customizable – Works with different pastas, proteins, or even veggies.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breast (or Thighs): Lean protein that cooks quickly; thighs give extra juiciness.
- Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work well—use whole wheat or gluten-free if needed.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for a smooth, creamy sauce. Can sub with Pecorino Romano.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that rich, silky texture. Half-and-half works for a lighter option.
- Butter: For richness and depth of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances flavor; can substitute with vegetable broth.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes for spice.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish adds color and freshness.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (sliced thin or cubed)
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil/butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown (6–8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted into a creamy sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- 🥦 Veggie Boost: Stir in broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- 🧀 Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese for added richness.
- 🥗 Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap with Greek yogurt.
- 🐟 Protein Swap: Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu instead of chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta – Always cook al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Not using freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
- High heat on cream – Can cause the sauce to break or curdle. Keep it gentle.
- Skipping pasta water – It helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Overcooking chicken – Leads to dry, tough bites.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Fresh green salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted vegetables
- A crisp white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ recipe)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great. Just stir it in at the end.
2. What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Fettuccine and penne are most popular, but any pasta works.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth is gluten-free.
4. How can I make it healthier?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use whole-wheat pasta.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to whip up on busy nights. Try it for your next dinner and let me know in the comments how your family enjoyed it!