introduction
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting, restaurant-quality weeknight meal made with tender seared chicken, a silky garlic-parmesan cream sauce, and your favorite pasta. It comes together quickly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers rich, savory flavor with a fresh parsley finish.
why make this recipe
This recipe is perfect when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. It’s fast to prepare, family-friendly, and flexible — you can swap the pasta shape or add vegetables to stretch it further. The sauce is creamy but straightforward, relying on heavy cream and real Parmesan for depth and a velvety texture.
how to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta until just al dente and setting it aside. While the pasta cooks, sear seasoned chicken breasts in olive oil until golden and fully cooked, then slice them. Use the same skillet to quickly sauté minced garlic, then add heavy cream and grated Parmesan to form a smooth sauce. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce so each strand is coated, then top with the sliced chicken and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. See the Directions section below for the step-by-step method.
Ingredients :
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Add the sliced chicken on top and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
how to serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve immediately while hot. Plate the pasta first, arrange sliced chicken on top, then finish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cracked black pepper. A side salad or crusty bread pairs well to cut through the richness.
how to store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and store up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Not ideal for best texture, but you can freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, adding liquid as needed.
tips to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor — pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; finish cooking in the sauce if needed so it soaks up flavor.
- Reserve a small amount of the pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden to build flavor; let it rest a few minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.
- Heat the sauce gently after adding cheese — too-high heat can cause separation.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Swap the protein: Use shrimp, sliced Italian sausage, or boneless chicken thighs.
- Lighter sauce: Substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk with a tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of flour for a lighter version.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika for a kick.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes — add shredded pre-cooked chicken to the sauce at the end to warm through.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can prepare components in advance (cook pasta and chicken separately) and assemble/reheat when ready to serve.
Q: My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it?
A: Simmer gently to reduce and concentrate the sauce, or stir in a small amount of grated Parmesan to help thicken. A cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) added slowly works too.
Conclusion
If you want a simple, comforting, and flavorful one-pan approach to this classic dish, check this version for inspiration: Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta (One-Pan)
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Add the sliced chicken on top and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot. Plate the pasta first, arrange sliced chicken on top, then finish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cracked black pepper.
