Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its flavorful garlic cream sauce, juicy seared chicken, and cheesy goodness. It comes together in one pan for easy cleanup and is versatile enough to suit any night of the week. The creamy texture and bold flavors make it feel like a restaurant-quality meal—without the fuss.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Slice the chicken and return to the pan. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until coated.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spinach & Tomato Add-In: Stir in fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- Cheese Swap: Use Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Extra Creamy: Add a bit of cream cheese or a splash of milk if you want a thicker sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid drying out. Not recommended for freezing due to the cream-based sauce.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk or half-and-half are the best alternatives.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just slice and warm it in the sauce before adding the pasta.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default. Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat gently.
What’s a good side dish?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add veggies or a meat substitute for protein.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Simmer gently and avoid overheating. Stir continuously when adding cheese.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or pot and adjust cooking times slightly.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich, indulgent, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With tender chicken, comforting pasta, and a garlicky cheese sauce, it delivers everything you love about creamy pasta in one easy, satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike.
PrintCreamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a hearty, indulgent dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal made in one pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred shape)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Slice the chicken and return to the pan. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to maintain sauce texture.
- Not recommended for freezing due to the cream content.
- Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken as a shortcut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
