If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta. Tender chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in this easy and satisfying recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, a cozy dinner at home, or when you just need some indulgent comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish strikes the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic that isn’t overpowering. The chicken adds protein to make it a complete meal, and the parmesan ties everything together with its nutty, salty flavor. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s a glimpse of the essentials:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)
Heavy cream
Garlic (lots of it!)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Olive oil and butter
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

The full ingredient list and exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

Directions

Cooking the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Pasta

While preparing the sauce, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Combining Everything

Slice the chicken into strips or cubes. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce.

Serving

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with more parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and a smooth sauce—it melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
Reserve that pasta water! It’s starchy and works wonders to adjust the sauce consistency.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the pan to keep it juicy.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the rich, garlicky flavors. For something non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape works—fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even rigatoni. Choose your favorite!

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding the cream, and avoid boiling the sauce. Stir constantly for a smooth result.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta is one of those dishes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this dish will always hit the spot.

So grab your skillet and pasta pot, and let’s bring this creamy, garlicky delight to your table tonight!

Luscious Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Pasta: A Creamy Delight

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting dish features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, tossed with your choice of pasta. It’s a perfect meal for any night of the week, bringing together simple ingredients for an indulgent experience.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken pieces.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
3. Once melted, add the minced garlic and chopped onion.
4. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in the Italian seasoning.
6. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
7. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
Combine Everything:
1. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
2. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine.
4. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve:
1. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
3. Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, consider incorporating a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan after sautéing the garlic and onion.
This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 180mg