If there’s ever a time for pure, soul-hugging comfort food, it’s when you whip up a big, bubbling pan of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Imagine slurp-worthy noodles tangled with juicy chicken and bathed in a velvety sauce that sings of garlic, real Parmesan, and a just-right hit of peppery heat. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or hosting your favorite people, this is one of those go-to recipes that’s simple, reliable, and sure to earn rave reviews every single time.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is its reliance on familiar pantry staples and just a few fresh elements. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen—each brings flavor, body, or pop to the finished dish, so don’t skip or skimp! Here’s why they matter:

Pasta (12 ounces fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape for the ideal sauce-to-noodle ratio; fettuccine hugs the sauce, penne grabs it in every bite.
Chicken Breasts (1 pound, boneless & skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender chicken soaks up the savory flavors and adds satisfying protein.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden color and subtle richness.
Butter (3 tablespoons): Forms the foundation of your creamy sauce, lending silkiness and flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star flavor; fresh garlic infuses every bite with irresistible aroma.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to the ideal decadent consistency.
Chicken Broth (1 1/2 cups): Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): The secret to that luscious, restaurant-worthy silkiness.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): Proper Parmesan melts into a nutty, creamy sauce that’s totally addictive.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into perfect balance, so nothing falls flat.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to wake up the taste buds—feel free to add more to taste.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A little kick turns the comfort up a notch, but leave them out for a milder dish.
Chopped Parsley: Gives a final token of freshness and beautiful color contrast.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot generously with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook just until al dente—this means the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite. Drain your pasta and set it aside; this frees you up to focus on that decadent sauce without rushing!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and are fully cooked through—about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm; this keeps the chicken juicy while you build flavors in the same pan.

Step 3: Build the Garlic-Butter Base

Using that same beloved skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute—you want the garlic fragrant but never browned. This step unlocks the garlicky magic that really sets this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe apart.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour evenly across the garlicky butter and stir constantly for about a minute. This cooks off the raw flavor and creates the base for your sauce to cling to the pasta later. You’re looking for a smooth, slightly thick mixture—no lumps!

Step 5: Create Creamy Perfection

Working slowly, whisk in the chicken broth—start a little at a time to avoid splashing. Once combined, stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce gently bubble for 2 to 3 minutes; it should start to thicken so it coats the back of a spoon. Now’s the time to marvel at your handiwork (and maybe take a quick taste!).

Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Stir the grated Parmesan directly into the simmering sauce, followed by salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little fire. The cheese should melt into silky ribbons—this is where the rich, signature flavor of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe truly comes alive.

Step 7: Pull It All Together

Return your cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss or stir everything until the pasta and chicken are luxuriously coated in sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so every last bite is piping hot and perfectly infused with flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Finish with a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley—it adds a pop of fresh, herby brightness and that irresistible final flourish. For extra decadence, a few more shavings of Parmesan never hurt. If you’re feeling fancy, a crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is always welcome.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe loves company! Serve it alongside simply dressed greens for a crisp contrast, or perhaps some steamed broccoli or garlicky sautéed spinach to squeeze more veggies onto the table. Warm, crusty bread practically begs to be dipped in any extra sauce—don’t skip it.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, swirl big nests of fettuccine onto dinner plates and top with the creamy chicken or arrange everything in a large platter for easy family-style meals. For a playful twist, try offering it in ramekins as an elegant dinner party starter, or spoon into pasta bowls for a laid-back, cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once the pasta cools a bit. Stored properly in the fridge, this dish stays delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken, so a splash of milk or broth during reheating is your secret weapon for reviving its creamy magic.

Freezing

If you want to make your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead for busier days, freezing is possible—but just note the texture of the sauce may change slightly. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the smoothest results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring in a bit of milk or broth to restore creaminess. If using the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until everything is hot and luscious once again. Avoid overheating to keep your sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken or even leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully for a richer flavor, and rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken makes this already speedy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe even more weeknight-friendly.

Is it possible to lighten up this recipe?

Definitely. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a creamy oat or almond milk. The sauce will be less rich, but you’ll still get plenty of that satisfying, garlicky flavor.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Simply choose your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a one-for-one gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. The results are just as creamy and comforting.

What vegetables can I add to this dish?

Steamed broccoli, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas can all be tossed in with the pasta at the end. They add color, nutrition, and a fun twist if you want to get creative!

Can it be made ahead for a party?

Yes, you can assemble the dish just before the final step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the silky texture. It’s a true crowd-pleaser for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about gathering around a bowl of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe that feels special, whether it’s for a big celebration or a quiet Tuesday night. With its lush sauce, tender chicken, and loads of garlicky goodness, it’s a recipe to keep close and pull out often. Give it a try—your taste buds (and everyone at your table) will thank you!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this delectable Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious parmesan cream sauce come together for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Sauté chicken in olive oil until golden; set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add flour, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream. Simmer until thickened.
Finish the Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken and pasta to the sauce, cook briefly, then garnish with parsley.