If you're craving a comforting yet elegant meal, this incredibly creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is exactly what you need. It's loaded with tender chicken, a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner.
Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish will impress with its rich flavors and silky texture. Plus, the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for guests.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce packed with garlic and parmesan flavor
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
- Ready in just under 40 minutes, perfect for busy days
- Protein and pasta all in one comforting dish
- Customizable with fresh herbs and veggies if you like
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a deliciously creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta that serves four people generously.
- 12 ounces penne pasta or your favorite pasta shape
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
How to Make Incredibly Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let rest for a minute before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserve a little pasta water before draining; add a splash if your sauce needs loosening.
- Adjust garlic amount based on your preference for a milder or stronger taste.
- For extra veggies, toss in sautéed spinach or mushrooms before combining pasta and chicken.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
You can freeze the pasta for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve the creamy texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! This recipe works well with penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just cook the pasta according to package instructions and proceed as directed.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich. You can also use skinless chicken thighs for more flavor with less fat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, make the sauce fresh and combine everything to keep the texture and flavor vibrant.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
Fresh herbs like basil or thyme, a squeeze of lemon juice, or sautéed mushrooms and spinach add layers of flavor and freshness to the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta.