Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. I’ve always been a fan of pasta dishes that bring together rich flavors and satisfying textures, and this one checks all the boxes. The tender chicken breast, the silky garlic-infused Parmesan sauce, and the perfectly cooked pasta come together in a warm, cheesy embrace that makes any evening feel like a special occasion.

The first time I made this dish, it was a spontaneous weeknight experiment using what I had in the fridge. But the result was so good, it instantly earned a spot in my regular dinner rotation. It’s indulgent but not too heavy, with just enough garlic kick and cheesy goodness to make you close your eyes with the first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

If you’re someone who loves a creamy, hearty pasta dish with restaurant-quality taste made right in your kitchen, this one’s for you. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve guests. The sauce is rich without being overwhelming, the chicken is seared to golden perfection, and every bite is full of flavor. Plus, it’s a one-pan kind of recipe, so clean-up is a breeze.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

I used penne for this dish, and it worked beautifully—the ridges catch the sauce and hold onto the flavor. But feel free to swap in fettuccine, rotini, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente so it holds its structure and doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

You can tweak this recipe to match your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Boneless thighs can replace chicken breast for a juicier option. If you’re cutting dairy, use a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Want a veggie twist? Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce. You can even swap the pasta for zoodles or gluten-free varieties.

Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken breast – Lean, tender protein that soaks up the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
• Pasta (penne) – Holds onto the sauce with its ridged texture, making every bite flavorful.
• Garlic cloves – The hero of the dish, garlic infuses the sauce with deep, aromatic flavor.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and sear the chicken.
• Heavy cream – Provides the luscious, velvety base for the Parmesan sauce.
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – Adds nutty, salty depth and thickens the sauce naturally.
• Olive oil – Helps achieve a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning both chicken and sauce.
• Italian seasoning – Brings in extra layers of herb flavor.

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Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

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Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.

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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time, letting it melt into the sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat. Slice the chicken and place it on top, letting the heat from the sauce warm it through. You can optionally sprinkle more Parmesan and a little black pepper on top before serving.

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How Long to Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is surprisingly quick to put together, making it ideal for weeknights.

Prep Time: The prep time is around 10–15 minutes. This includes slicing garlic, seasoning the chicken, and grating Parmesan. If you’re using pre-grated cheese or pre-minced garlic, you can shave off a few more minutes.

Cooking Time: Expect about 25–30 minutes of cooking time. This includes boiling the pasta, searing the chicken, and building the sauce. Everything moves quickly once you start, so have your ingredients ready to go.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better than pre-shredded and adds more flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce.
• Deglaze the pan – After cooking the chicken, those golden bits add flavor to your sauce. A splash of pasta water helps lift them.
• Simmer, don’t boil the cream – A gentle simmer keeps the sauce smooth and prevents it from splitting.
• Slice the chicken after resting – Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps keep it juicy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using pre-shredded Parmesan – It doesn’t melt well and can lead to a grainy sauce.
• Overheating the garlic – Garlic burns fast; keep the heat moderate.
• Adding cheese to boiling cream – Add it gradually on low heat to avoid clumps.
• Not reserving pasta water – It’s a great tool to thin the sauce if it thickens too much.
• Skipping seasoning – Taste as you go. Creamy sauces need well-balanced seasoning to avoid blandness.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and creamy dressing pair wonderfully with the rich pasta.

3. Roasted Broccoli

A lightly charred veggie adds texture and freshness.

4. Sauteed Green Beans

Simple, light, and a great contrast to the creamy sauce.

5. A Glass of Chardonnay

If you’re in the mood, a buttery white wine complements the creamy garlic notes beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezer: This dish can be frozen, but the cream sauce might separate upon thawing. If freezing, store in freezer-safe containers and reheat slowly, whisking the sauce to bring it back together.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Cholesterol: 110mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt, and use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the components separately and assemble before serving. Store the sauce and pasta separately for best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and check labels on Parmesan and seasonings.

What’s the best cheese alternative if I don’t have Parmesan?

Try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar texture and sharp flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid high heat when adding cheese. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and stir continuously.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings together comfort and elegance in every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy bistro—without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for your family or hosting friends, this pasta never fails to impress. Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and loaded with juicy chicken—what more could you want from dinner?

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