If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that combines pure comfort with impressive flavor, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Tender strips of chicken are nestled into a silky Parmesan cream sauce, twirled up with ribbons of pasta, and dusted with fresh herbs. Every bite is rich and satisfying, yet so easy to pull together—making it the kind of dish you’ll crave on busy weeknights and leisurely weekends alike.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each one packed with flavor and purpose. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap out too much—every item here works together to build a dish with the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh notes.

12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta: The foundation of the dish, choose your favorite pasta shape for different textures.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: Sliced thin so the chicken cooks up juicy and absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken, adding a touch of richness and helping it caramelize perfectly.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Pairs with the olive oil for depth and adds that classic, luxurious feel to the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential here for fragrant, savory depth.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This simple ingredient thickens the sauce to a dreamy, cling-to-the-noodle consistency.
1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce from being too heavy and adds a subtle savory base.
1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creamy factor—there really is no substitute for this richness!
1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor and helps create that signature gooey sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A little Italian herb blend infuses the sauce with aromatic brightness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of gentle heat and depth.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor right at the end.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—don’t skimp on the salt, as it’s your chance to season the pasta from the inside out! Cook your penne or fettuccine until it’s just al dente, following package directions. Drain and set aside, saving a splash of pasta water in case you want to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer (work in batches if necessary), cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden crust—it tells you flavor is building! Once the chicken is just cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside for later.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it out, those little brown bits are gold!), add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, letting it soften and release its aroma. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for another minute. This quick step forms the roux that thickens your sauce and gives it a rich backbone.

Step 4: Whisk in Liquids and Cheese

Now gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go to prevent lumps, followed by the heavy cream. Let this mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes—you’ll see it thicken and start to look irresistible. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the cheese melts completely, transforming the mixture into a glossy, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, gently stirring to coat it in all that creamy Parmesan goodness. Next, add the drained pasta, tossing everything together so each piece is enveloped in sauce. Warm through for a couple of minutes, then get ready to serve up some joy!

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

This is the moment to make your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe truly shine. A scattering of chopped fresh parsley brings color and a hit of freshness, while an extra sprinkle of Parmesan (or even cracked black pepper) on top gives it that little restaurant-style finish.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or maybe a side of garlicky sautéed broccoli or spinach. Warm, crusty bread is always a hit for soaking up any leftover sauce, making sure no drop goes to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in a mood to impress, serve the pasta in individual bowls with a gentle twirl using tongs for a bistro-style look. Or pile it high on a big family-style platter and let everyone dig in. Add some sun-dried tomatoes or steamed veggies right into the sauce for a pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it tasting fresh and keep the creamy sauce from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze this pasta if you absolutely need to. Portion it into individual airtight containers, and freeze for up to a month. When thawing, let it defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid super-high heat, which can cause the cream to break. Microwaving works in a pinch—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?

Absolutely! Although penne and fettuccine work beautifully in the Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you can swap in any pasta you love—short shapes like rigatoni or farfalle, or even spaghetti.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the Parmesan slightly. Don’t worry—it will still come out deliciously creamy and comforting!

What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?

Steamed broccoli florets, fresh baby spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes tuck perfectly into this dish, adding both flavor and a lovely pop of color to the Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or even Asiago will work in a pinch, though the flavor will change slightly. Choose a hard, grating cheese for that signature richness.

Can I make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead, then cook fresh pasta and combine everything before serving. Just store the elements separately and reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe destined to become a family favorite, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe checks every box: rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Give it a try and watch the smiles appear around your table—there’s just something special about sharing a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta with the people you love!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Tender chicken strips are coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, cook chicken strips in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make Sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet, sauté garlic, stir in flour, then slowly add chicken broth and cream. Simmer until thickened.
Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken back to the skillet, then toss in cooked pasta. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the cream and use less cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American