The Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Steam rises from this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers deliciousness in every forkful.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender pasta with incredible depth of flavor.

Garlic lovers will absolutely swoon over the intense, aromatic notes dancing through each bite.

Perfectly seasoned chicken adds a satisfying protein punch that elevates this classic dish.

Surprisingly simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary in less than thirty minutes.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Grab a fork and let the magic begin!

Pro Tips For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Perfection

• Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy pasta water to help create a silky, perfectly coated sauce that clings beautifully to your noodles and chicken.
• Seasoning Layering: Build deep flavor by generously seasoning chicken with a blend of spices before cooking, ensuring each bite is packed with delicious taste.
• Roux Technique: Take time to cook flour with butter and garlic to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth, rich base for your creamy sauce.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate Parmesan fresh and add gradually while stirring to achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats everything evenly.
• Low and Slow Simmering: Maintain a gentle simmer when adding cream and broth to prevent sauce from breaking and ensure a luxurious, creamy texture.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Without A Mess

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the dish tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Gently reheat portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy texture.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sauce separate and pasta become rubbery.
• Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may break down and lose its smooth consistency when thawed.
• Always cool the pasta completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Check for any off smells or unusual texture before consuming refrigerated leftovers, and when in doubt, discard the dish for food safety.

Great Sides For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Amplify Cheese Flavors: Pair this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the rich cheese and balances the creamy sauce's intensity.
• Brighten with Acidic Companions: Serve a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside the pasta to cut through the dish's richness and provide a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Enhance Herbal Notes: Accompany the meal with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of garlic-infused comfort.
• Complement Protein Depth: Add a side of roasted asparagus or green beans with a sprinkle of Parmesan to echo the dish's cheesy profile and introduce a subtle vegetable freshness.

Creative Swaps For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and stir in some pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick that transforms the dish into a southwestern-style meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap out Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese, incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle fresh oregano and basil to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with bright, bold flavors.
• One-Pot Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with roasted mushrooms or grilled zucchini, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add spinach or kale for extra nutrition and a green color boost.
• Lighter Cream Chicken Pasta: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, reduce butter quantity, and use whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.

Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Questions Answered

• What makes this chicken pasta so special?

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta combines rich, velvety sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. The blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs gives an incredible depth of flavor that makes every bite irresistible.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with traditional pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne, you can easily swap in any pasta you love. Shapes with ridges or curves like rigatoni or fusilli work especially well for holding onto the creamy sauce.

• Is this dish spicy or mild?

This recipe is quite mild and family-friendly. The seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs provide wonderful flavor without any significant heat. If you prefer a bit of kick, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can make some simple modifications like using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of heavy cream by replacing part of it with milk, or using less butter. Alternatively, you could add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost the nutritional value of the dish.

Why Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Feels Like A Warm Hug

• Whip Up Quickly: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Comfort: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant, yet is totally achievable at home.
• Customize With Ease: Home cooks can adapt this dish by swapping chicken for shrimp, adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.
• Crowd-Pleasing One-Pan Wonder: This single-skillet meal eliminates multiple dirty dishes, offers balanced nutrition with protein and carbs, and appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy flavor profile.

Everything You’ll Need For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, boneless and skinless works best for easy cooking and even seasoning.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile and create a well-rounded taste experience.

• Pasta: Starchy foundation of the dish, choose a shape that holds sauce well like penne or fettuccine.

• Butter, Flour: Create a classic roux for thickening and adding richness to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid base that provides depth and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts smoothly and adds complex flavor to the sauce.

• Garlic: Provides intense, pungent flavor to the sauce, fresh minced garlic offers the best taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb notes to the finished dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Optional acidic element that can enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps adjust sauce consistency if needed.

How To Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta The Easy Way

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Gently drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite. Scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Set the pasta aside, ready for its saucy transformation.

Step 2: Spice and Sear the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces into the hot pan. Cook them until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Using the same skillet, melt butter until it’s bubbling softly. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan, releasing its aromatic flavors. Sprinkle flour over the garlic and stir continuously for a minute, creating a smooth base for your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Stream in the heavy cream, continuing to whisk. Let the mixture simmer gently, thickening into a luxurious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and blends into a silky smooth sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the creamy goodness. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing and turning until every strand is lavishly covered in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Scatter some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for those who want a bright, citrusy touch. Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dining. Packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, this dish promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta or pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines. Carefully extract one cup of starchy liquid before draining the pasta completely.

1. Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by mixing garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with this aromatic mixture. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, then carefully introduce the seasoned chicken. Sear until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

1. Utilize the same skillet to craft the sauce’s foundation. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence for about a minute. Dust flour over the butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux that will thicken the upcoming sauce.

1. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking vigilantly to prevent any lumpy formations. Introduce heavy cream, creating a silky base. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, watching it thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.

1. Incorporate the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and integrates into a velvety sauce. Reintroduce the cooked chicken, ensuring each piece becomes lavishly coated. Let the ingredients mingle and warm through for a brief moment.

1. Marry the pasta with the creamy sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure complete coverage. If the sauce appears too dense, strategically add reserved pasta water, adjusting the consistency to create a perfect, clingy texture.

1. Present the dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley. Optional: Accompany with bright lemon wedges to add a zesty dimension to the creamy creation.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to make this dish vegetarian-friendly, ensuring protein-packed meals for plant-based diets.
• Choose whole wheat pasta to boost fiber content and create a more nutritious version of this comforting classic.
• Reduce heavy cream calories by substituting half with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk, maintaining creamy texture without excess fat.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 634
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 115mg