If you’re craving a dish that’s the very definition of comfort food with a gourmet twist, you have to try this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s a luscious, indulgent pasta experience where tender chicken strips meet a velvety sauce bursting with garlic and Parmesan goodness. Every bite is a perfect harmony of rich creaminess, aromatic garlic, and cheesy bliss that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’s going to earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe thrives on simple, yet incredibly flavorful ingredients that each play their part in creating a dish full of texture, taste, and inviting color. From the pasta’s al dente bite to the fresh parsley’s vibrant touch, every component is essential for that perfect balance.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta (8 ounces): Choose your favorite type to provide the ideal carb base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity richness for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into strips): Tender and juicy protein that soaks up all the savory flavors.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a luscious base for the garlic sauce and helps build a creamy roux.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic powerhouse that infuses every bite with a delicious garlicky punch.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): The secret to that silky, rich sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the cream.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh herbal note to brighten the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente—the little firmness gives the dish its satisfying bite and texture. Don’t overcook it because the pasta will soak up the sauce later and you want it to hold its shape nicely.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms, season your chicken strips with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination gives a subtle depth and a spark of mild heat without overshadowing the garlic and Parmesan. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Then, set it aside to rest before slicing it thinly, so the juices stay locked in.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base
In that same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. The aroma will be heavenly as you sauté it for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. This step releases garlic’s natural oils, setting a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the garlic butter and stir vigorously to make a roux, cooking it gently for 1-2 minutes. This thickening trick ensures your sauce is rich and coats the pasta luxuriously. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, allowing it to bubble into a creamy, thickened sauce over 3-4 minutes. Toss in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth—that cheesy tang is what makes this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe so unforgettable. If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of chicken broth can thin it out perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken in the Sauce
Add your sliced chicken and cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing everything together gently but thoroughly so each pasta strand and bite of chicken is drenched in creamy, garlicky, Parmesan goodness. This final combination step melds all the flavors seamlessly.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top right before serving. The bright green flecks aren’t just for looks—they lend a lively herbal freshness that cuts through the richness and lifts the entire dish.
Side Dishes
To balance the creaminess, pair this pasta with crisp, refreshing sides like a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed in lemon juice and garlic. Crunchy garlic bread also makes a perfect accompaniment for mopping up the irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a twist of black pepper. For a fun dinner party touch, portion it into mini cast-iron skillets or bake it briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so gently loosen it with a bit of milk or chicken broth when you reheat to bring back that silky texture.
Freezing
This pasta isn’t the best candidate for freezing because cream-based sauces can separate, but if you want to freeze it, do so without the pasta and combine fresh after thawing the sauce and reheating both separately.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or milk as needed to loosen the sauce back to its creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are ideal because they hold the sauce well, you can experiment with other shapes like rigatoni or linguine to suit your preference.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a mixture of cream and milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and thick. Adding more garlic and Parmesan can help boost flavor when lightening the cream.
Can I prepare this recipe without chicken?
Yes! For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the chicken and add roasted mushrooms or sautéed spinach to maintain a hearty, satisfying meal.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is definitely the best choice—it melts better and delivers a fresher, nuttier flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté or seasoning the chicken with cayenne pepper can give your creamy pasta a nice, subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and downright delicious, the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s straightforward to make, requires familiar ingredients, and delivers that satisfying, creamy flavor combination that everyone craves. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s destined to become a beloved classic on your table.
Print
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast strips sautéed with garlic in a buttery Parmesan cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine or penne pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips evenly with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir constantly to form a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add chicken broth a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a mild heat if desired.
