Thank you for stopping by! I’m so excited to share today’s recipe because it’s one that’s completely taken over our dinner table lately. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal should be—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. If you’ve been craving something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this one’s for you.
This post is packed with everything you need to make it: simple ingredients, step-by-step guidance, tips, and even some pairing ideas! Want it delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe and I’ll send it to you so you can keep it handy for your next pasta night!
What is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
At its core, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is tender pieces of seared chicken breast nestled into a rich, silky sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. Toss in some perfectly cooked pasta, and what you get is a dish that’s indulgent, fragrant, and downright irresistible.
Think of it as your favorite Alfredo’s sophisticated cousin—still creamy, still cheesy, but with a garlic-forward punch and a flavor depth that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Reasons to Love This Creamy Pasta Recipe
Family favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
One-pot potential – Fewer dishes = happier you!
Easy to customize – Add veggies or swap the pasta.
Great for leftovers – It reheats beautifully.
Weeknight winner – On the table in under 40 minutes!
What Does Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Taste Like?
Rich. Creamy. Decadent. But somehow still light enough that you don’t feel like you need a nap right after. The garlic isn’t overpowering—it gently perfumes the sauce, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty edge that rounds everything out. The chicken soaks in all the flavor from the sauce, making every bite juicy and satisfying. And when you get that perfect twirl of pasta with a bit of chicken and sauce? Pure comfort in a forkful.
Why This Recipe Works
Perfect balance of garlic and cheese – No one note overwhelms.
Pan-seared chicken – Sealing in flavor before it joins the sauce.
Simple pantry staples – You might already have everything on hand!
Velvety sauce – Thanks to a clever combo of butter, cream, and starchy pasta water.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy dish to life:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs
Sauce whisk
Pasta pot and strainer
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Add-ins:
Spinach or kale (add at the end to wilt)
Sautéed mushrooms
Sun-dried tomatoes
Broccoli florets
Substitutions:
Swap chicken breasts for thighs or even shrimp
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version
Parmesan can be mixed with Pecorino for more bite
Gluten-free pasta works just as well!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water—this helps adjust the sauce consistency later!
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic Parmesan sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Pour in the cream, then stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a bit of that reserved pasta water—just a splash at a time until it’s perfect.
Step 5: Add the chicken back
Slice the cooked chicken and layer it on top of the pasta, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes on low heat. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is a star on its own, but if you want to round it out:
A crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad
Garlic bread or focaccia
Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans
A glass of chilled white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and has a richer flavor.
Don’t overcook the garlic – Just 30 seconds is enough!
Reserve pasta water – This is your creamy sauce’s best friend.
Season as you go – Taste and adjust salt and pepper along the way.
Let it rest – Let the chicken sit on top of the pasta for a few minutes before serving.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back that silky texture.
Freezer: Not ideal. Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. Whole milk is best if you go this route.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead and store it separately. Reheat gently and add fresh pasta and chicken before serving.
What kind of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne! Anything with a bit of surface area to grab that sauce.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! You can skip the red pepper flakes if you’re worried about heat.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut—just warm it gently in the sauce before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is truly one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s elegant enough for a date night in, yet comforting enough for a lazy Sunday dinner. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
If you’re a fan of quick, creamy pasta dishes, you’re going to love every forkful. And the smell when this is simmering away on the stove? Just wait. It’s heaven.
More Recipes You’ll Love (Especially If You Love Comfort Food)
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Easy Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses
One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Let’s Keep Cooking Together!
I’d absolutely love it if you tried this recipe and let me know how it went. Tag your photos on Pinterest and leave a review below—nothing makes me happier than seeing your recreations!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 620
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Happy cooking, and thank you again for being here. It truly means the world!