Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce packed with Parmesan flavor.
- Simple ingredients that come together quickly.
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Family-friendly and satisfying.
- Easy to customize with vegetables or different pasta shapes.
- Comfort food that feels both hearty and elegant.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- olive oil
- butter
- garlic, minced
- heavy cream
- grated parmesan cheese
- chicken broth
- salt
- black pepper
- italian seasoning
- fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Replace chicken breasts with grilled chicken thighs for a richer taste.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through.
You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Freezing is possible, but cream-based sauces may change texture slightly when thawed. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well and can save time.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne, fettuccine, and rotini are great choices because they hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream for a lighter version.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Allow it to simmer a little longer or add a small amount of extra Parmesan cheese.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms pair well with the creamy sauce.
Is freshly grated Parmesan better than pre-grated?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives the best flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it gently with a little added liquid.
Can I make it without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add a little pasta water, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, cheeses like Romano or Asiago can be used for a slightly different flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and full of rich, savory flavor. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Whether served for a quick dinner or a special family meal, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.
PrintCreamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a smooth garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that comes together quickly for an easy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest briefly, then slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives the best flavor.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water, milk, or broth to loosen it.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a little added liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
