Few meals are as satisfying as a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s loaded with juicy chicken and bold garlic flavor. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in under 40 minutes. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food for weeknights or special occasions.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- large skillet
- large pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs
- grater
- colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F).
- Remove chicken from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce.
- Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
What is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
This dish combines seasoned chicken breasts or thighs with pasta tossed in a rich garlic and Parmesan cheese sauce. The cream sauce is made with heavy cream, butter, garlic, and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan, creating a silky coating that clings perfectly to every noodle. It’s similar to Alfredo, but with more garlic depth and flexibility—you can add vegetables, herbs, or even a hint of spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 4 people.
For the chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the pasta and sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Optional add-ins
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup steamed broccoli or peas
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Cook the chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Remove chicken, let rest, then slice into strips.
Make the garlic Parmesan sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Combine everything
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce.
- Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce—it melts better than pre-shredded.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; let it rest before slicing to stay juicy.
- Save pasta water—it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce if needed.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try these twists:
- Vegetable-loaded version: Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Spicy kick: Stir in chili flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
- Bacon twist: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Seafood swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a lighter version.
- Baked pasta: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and add it fresh to a new batch of pasta.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as cream sauces can separate.
Serving Ideas
This pasta is filling enough on its own, but you can elevate the meal with sides:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A crisp Caesar or garden salad
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- A glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Nutrition Breakdown
One serving of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta contains around 550–600 calories, 32 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbs, and 25 grams of fat. Using half-and-half instead of cream lightens the dish, while adding vegetables increases fiber and nutrients.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a cozy, indulgent dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this pasta will always impress.
FAQs
Can I make this with pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Add it at the end to warm through.
What pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold sauce well, but fettuccine gives a classic look.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs if adding toppings.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk works but won’t be as rich; add extra Parmesan for thickness.