Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and ridiculously easy to pull together on a busy night, this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta has your name all over it. It’s silky, savory, and totally satisfying—with juicy bites of chicken, plenty of garlic (because let’s be honest, more is more), and a parmesan-infused cream sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for weeknights when time is tight but your taste buds are demanding something delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Comfort: This is weeknight comfort food done right—fast, fuss-free, and packed with flavor.
• All About That Sauce: The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is so good, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon (and honestly, we support that).
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more time to relax. Everything comes together in one skillet.
• Family Favorite: It’s picky-eater approved, and leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to grab before diving in:

• Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine are great choices—they hold onto the creamy sauce like champs.
• Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs—thighs bring more flavor and stay juicy.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential here—no shortcuts. Minced and sautéed until fragrant.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key for the best melt and flavor. Avoid the pre-shredded stuff if you can.
• Heavy Cream: Brings the richness and creaminess—don’t skimp here!
• Butter: For sautéing and building flavor right from the start.
• Olive Oil: Helps get a nice sear on the chicken without burning the butter.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that brings everything together.
• Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish before serving.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few tasty twists:

• Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes all work beautifully in this dish.
• Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the creamy sauce a lovely kick.
• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp or even crispy tofu for a different spin.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—it’ll still soak up the sauce deliciously.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta just until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—it might come in handy to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat a combo of butter and olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the garlic until it’s just golden and fragrant—don’t let it burn!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice the chicken and return it to the pan along with the drained pasta. Toss everything to coat in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot and creamy, straight from the skillet.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce grainy.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: It should be golden and fragrant—not brown or bitter.
• Thin the Sauce Gently: Add pasta water a tablespoon at a time to get the perfect consistency.
• Use a Large Skillet: Give yourself room to toss the pasta and coat it fully in that luscious sauce.

How to Serve

This pasta is rich and creamy, so keep sides simple:

Garnishes:

A bit of freshly cracked pepper, extra parmesan, or a drizzle of good olive oil on top.

Side Ideas:

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a well-balanced meal.

Bread:

Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but it’s still delicious the next day.

Freezing

This dish is best fresh, but if you must freeze it, do so before adding the pasta. Freeze the sauce and chicken for up to 1 month, then reheat and toss with fresh-cooked pasta.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. For a lighter version, use whole milk with a touch of cream cheese or a roux to help thicken.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Add the cheese gradually over low heat and stir constantly. Make sure the cream isn’t boiling when you add the cheese.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute. The flavor will be different but still satisfying.

Can I make this in advance for a dinner party?
Absolutely. Prep the sauce and chicken ahead, then cook the pasta just before serving and toss everything together to keep it fresh and creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—rich, cheesy, garlicky, and irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Try it once, and it’ll earn a permanent place in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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