Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings together tender chicken, rich garlic-parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough to make at home on a weeknight. The creamy texture and savory flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and casual entertaining.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)olive oilbuttergarlic (minced)chicken brothheavy creamparmesan cheese (grated)Italian seasoningonions (optional)pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite type)salt and pepperfresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and slice.

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic (and onions if using) until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.

Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for a different protein option.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.

Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Top with mozzarella and broil for a cheesy finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works well. Add it toward the end to heat through.

Can I make this without cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, though it won’t be as rich.

What type of parmesan is best?

Freshly grated parmesan offers the best melt and flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

What pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the sauce nicely.

How do I make it more garlicky?

Add extra minced garlic or use roasted garlic for deeper flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add chili flakes—feel free to spice it up to your taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or broccoli.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! The creamy, cheesy flavor is usually a hit with kids.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, but store the sauce separately if possible and combine when reheating for best texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this pasta recipe is a delicious and dependable favorite. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe lineup