Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love how this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together – it’s like the ultimate comfort food that’s totally fancy but surprisingly easy to make. The way the garlicky, cheesy sauce clings to every twist of pasta and tender chunks of chicken is just magical. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends on a low-key weekend, this dish hits all the right notes.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how rich and decadent it feels, yet it’s not overly complicated. You’ll find that the creamy sauce with fresh Parmesan and garlic really elevates simple ingredients into something special. Plus, the bonus? Little hands and grown-up palates alike go crazy for this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend beautifully to create a sauce that’s creamy without being heavy, and the chicken stays tender every time. When shopping, look for good-quality Parmesan and fresh garlic—it really makes a difference!

• Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly, then cut into bite-size cubes for the best sauce coverage.
• Twisted pasta: Fusilli or rotini are ideal since their spirals trap the creamy sauce, but penne works great too.
• Unsalted butter: I like to control the salt level, so unsalted gives me flexibility as I season later.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that bold flavor punch.
• Heavy cream: This is what gives the sauce its luscious texture—don’t skip it!
• Chicken broth: Adds subtle richness and depth to the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and delivers unbeatable flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil to round out the flavor perfectly.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a nice touch of heat that balances the creaminess.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors to life.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish.

Variations

I love how adaptable this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is—it’s a perfect base that’s easy to tweak to fit whatever you’re craving or what’s in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Add Veggies: I often toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to sneak in some greens and extra flavor.
• Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp or even crispy bacon for a smoky twist I once tried and loved.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese – it’s less traditional but still delicious.
• Spicy Kick: I sometimes double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the creamy sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta and cook it until just al dente—tender but with a tiny bite. I save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining because that starchy water is pure gold to loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick. Trust me, this little step makes your sauce silky and smooth every single time.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Pat your chicken cubes dry (this helps with browning!) and season generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside—don’t rush this step as that golden crust is where much of the flavor comes from!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat and toss in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté just 30-60 seconds until fragrant—you’ll smell it immediately and that’s your cue to move on. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Then stir in the heavy cream and the rest of your Italian seasoning, letting it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce comes together smoothly – avoid boiling now or the cheese might get grainy. The result is a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta and chicken.

Step 4: Combine and Serve Immediately

Return your chicken and any juices back into the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything gently to coat in that glorious sauce. If it feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water little by little to reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it hot—you’ll want to dig in right away!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top because it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I’ll toss on a little extra Parmesan or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit more heat and texture.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables—think asparagus or broccoli for a nice contrast. Garlic bread on the side is a classic favorite around here; it’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this pasta in individual bowls and garnished with microgreens and edible flowers—surprisingly simple, yet it makes the dish feel extra fancy. Another fun idea is spiraling the pasta with tongs for a neat nest on each plate before ladling sauce over it for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, but don’t worry—you can easily fix that when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe with moderate success by keeping the chicken and pasta separate from the sauce when possible. Freeze in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the pasta slowly in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little chicken broth or milk to loosen the cream sauce. Microwaving works too—just add liquid and stir midway through to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s consistently satisfying and surprisingly simple. Every time I make it, it feels like a little act of love for my family (and for me!). I’m excited for you to give it a try—you’ll enjoy how it blends comfort and elegance in every luscious bite. Grab that garlic, Parmesan, and your favorite pasta, and get ready to fall in love with this dish just like I did.

Print