Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Family Favorite

Pasta nights become magical when creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta enters your kitchen with its irresistible charm.

Comfort meets gourmet in this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises pure delight.

Warm, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with such minimal effort required.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Fragrant garlic and rich parmesan create a symphony of tastes you’ll want to savor again and again.

Grab your apron and let the culinary adventure begin!

Why Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Feels So Comforting

• Unlock Quick Comfort: Dive into a satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one delightful skillet.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn an easy method of creating a restaurant-quality dish with basic ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can handle.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by adding spinach, adjusting seasoning, or swapping protein to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Prepare a versatile meal that appeals to both adults and kids, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or casual entertaining with minimal fuss.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish and absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the perfect carrier for the creamy sauce and chicken.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create a rich and flavorful base for cooking and developing depth in the dish.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Combine to form a smooth and luxurious sauce with a velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce with its natural melting properties.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic foundation that complements the creamy sauce.

• Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, nutritious green component to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh finish and adds a pop of color to the final presentation.

Steps To Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook your favorite pasta in salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready to become the foundation of your delicious meal.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color and is fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice into tempting strips.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Let it sizzle and dance for 1-2 minutes, releasing its incredible fragrance throughout your kitchen.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring them together until they become a harmonious blend.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, creating a rich and velvety foundation.

Step 5: Introduce Cheese and Greens

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, continuously stirring until the sauce transforms into a thick, creamy consistency.

If desired, add baby spinach and cook until it wilts beautifully into the sauce.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb the incredible flavors.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing everything together so each strand gets completely coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and incredibly inviting.

Top Tips For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking and faster heating.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it just until al dente and adding it to the sauce right before serving.
• Low-fat alternatives work well: substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less butter for a lighter version.
• For a gluten-free option, replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta varieties, which blend perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Flavor Ideas

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate fresh oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes, use feta cheese instead of Parmesan, and add kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Mushroom Alfredo Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic, use a blend of Parmesan and cream cheese for extra richness, and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
• Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta: Add lemon zest and juice to the sauce, include fresh dill and chives, reduce heavy cream slightly, and garnish with toasted pine nuts for brightness.

Great Pairings For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, rich sauce and cut through the dish's richness.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery garlic bread provides the perfect crunchy side to soak up the luxurious parmesan sauce and add textural contrast.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or broccoli with olive oil and sea salt to provide a healthy, slightly crisp accompaniment that enhances the chicken pasta's flavor profile.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place the pasta and chicken mixture flat to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce nicely.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free certified.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare components in advance. Cook chicken and pasta separately, then combine just before serving to maintain texture.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add a bit more heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly to prevent sauce from separating and ensure a smooth, rich consistency.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta elevates weeknight dinner with Italian-inspired comfort. Silky sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta promise a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy Components:

• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter

Pasta and Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
• 1 cup (237 ml) chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, seasoning chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked, then slice into thin strips.
3. In the identical skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors.
4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking together until smoothly integrated.
5. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce transforms into a rich, velvety consistency.
6. Introduce baby spinach to the sauce, allowing leaves to gently wilt and merge with creamy mixture.
7. Reintroduce sliced chicken into the skillet, letting it warm through for 2-3 minutes and absorb surrounding flavors.
8. Fold cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring each strand becomes lavishly coated with the decadent garlic Parmesan sauce.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a vibrant finishing touch, then serve piping hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Optimize pasta’s tenderness by cooking just until al dente, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Enhance chicken’s flavor by patting it dry before seasoning, allowing better browning and creating a delicious golden crust.
• Prevent sauce separation by adding Parmesan cheese gradually and stirring constantly, maintaining a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, lactose-free version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 850
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 54g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 180mg