This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce that sings with garlic and rich Parmesan cheese. It is an absolute comfort food classic that is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. Every forkful offers a beautiful balance of creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and just the right amount of kick from optional red pepper flakes. If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent yet simple, this recipe has you covered from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but packed with flavor. Each one plays a vital role in creating the creamy, garlicky sauce and making the chicken and pasta shine.
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: Tender white meat that soaks up seasoning and cooks quickly.
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape to hold the sauce well.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that fragrant, hearty base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star cheese that gives the sauce its distinctive nutty flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle spicy kick if you like a bit of heat.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce and gives that silky finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, bright note and a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat so it’s hot and shimmering. While that’s warming, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your dish, so take your time to get a nice sear. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest; this keeps it juicy when sliced later.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan gently to loosen those tasty browned bits from the chicken. Let the broth simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavor. Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens a bit. Then it’s time to add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your taste with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Step 3: Cook Pasta and Combine
As the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package instructions to al dente perfection. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining. Slice the rested chicken into thin strips, perfect for mixing with pasta. Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, coating every noodle. If the sauce looks too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach a creamy consistency that clings gorgeously to the pasta. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, stirring gently to combine all elements.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Parsley
Finally, stir in the unsalted butter and let it melt into the sauce; this step adds incredible richness and smooths out the sauce even more. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for freshness and vibrant color. Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to be plated and devoured!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
We love to finish this dish with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few more fresh parsley leaves. A light dusting of cracked black pepper on top adds a nice visual and flavor boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice on the side can brighten the entire plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, which provides a refreshing balance to the rich sauce. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce. For veggies, roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach offer a pleasant, earthy contrast that complements the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in shallow bowls for an elegant yet casual look, making it easy to twirl up the pasta. For a fun twist, plate the pasta in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets right from the stove to table. Adding a sprig of parsley or a small edible flower on top can elevate the presentation for special occasions without any extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it cools, so be sure to stir before reheating.
Freezing
While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly after thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir often until heated through to keep the creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni work great because they hold the sauce well. Feel free to use your favorite type or whatever you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different from the traditional version.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Should I add the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are optional and meant to add just a hint of heat. If you prefer no spice, simply omit them—your dish will still be delicious and creamy.
How do I get the sauce to thicken properly?
Simmering the cream and broth mixture before adding Parmesan allows it to reduce slightly, making it thicker. Also, gradually stirring in cheese while on low heat ensures the sauce stays smooth and creamy without becoming grainy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe enough— it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Rich, comforting, and surprisingly fast to make, it’s perfect for everyday dinners or impressing friends. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your rotation, bringing smiles every time.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Cooked on the stovetop, the dish features perfectly seasoned chicken and al dente pasta tossed in a luscious creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. It’s a comforting and elegant meal perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) for balanced flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board to rest for a few minutes, helping the juices redistribute.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to lift any flavorful browned bits from the skillet’s bottom.
- Simmer Broth: Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, combining it well with the reduced broth.
- Thicken Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Melt Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Slice Chicken: Cut the rested chicken breasts into thin slices for easy incorporation into the dish.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the creamy sauce to coat evenly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add Chicken: Incorporate the sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together so the chicken is warmed and evenly coated.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the unsalted butter and allow it to melt into the sauce, enriching the texture and flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness just before serving.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese to enhance the taste.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness perfectly.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
