You haven’t truly experienced comfort food until you’ve taken a twirl of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta onto your fork. This dish is everything a pasta lover could wish for: tender morsels of chicken enveloped in a velvety, garlicky cheese sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. With just the right balance of richness, freshness, and bold flavor, this pasta feels fancy enough for guests and is easy enough to pull off on a busy weeknight. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those rare recipes that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes together with a handful of everyday favorites you may already have on hand. Each ingredient serves a purpose, building layers of taste, creamy consistency, and appetizing color—so choose quality for the most flavorful result!

Fettuccine or penne pasta (12 oz): Opt for your favorite shape—fettuccine grabs the sauce beautifully, while penne is perfect if you prefer a hearty bite.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Sets the stage for the chicken and brings a pleasant, slightly fruity base flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces): Lean chicken breast cooks quickly and soaks up the savory seasonings.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for bringing out the best in the chicken and the finished sauce.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Offers a little heat to balance the creamy elements.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Adds an herby depth—think oregano, basil, and thyme all in one.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): The heart of the flavor; mince fresh for the ultimate aroma and zest.
Butter (2 tbsp): Gives richness to the garlic and starts your creamy roux.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): A key thickener for that perfectly silky sauce.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses the sauce with savory depth without overpowering it.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers that luscious, smooth texture we crave in this dish.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup, plus extra for topping): Salty, nutty, and oh-so-creamy when it melts into the sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped (½ cup, for garnish): Brings a pop of color and herby brightness to finish off each plate.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your chosen pasta shape in a big pot of salted boiling water until it’s al dente—just tender, with a little bite left. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse, so all those lovely starches stay to help the sauce cling.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them in the hot oil until golden on all sides and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Set the chicken aside—those tasty browned bits left in the pan will add loads of flavor to the sauce!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute, stirring constantly. You’re looking to release the garlic’s aroma without letting it burn—this step makes all the difference in the depth of your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it with the buttery garlic for one minute until combined and bubbling slightly. This little roux is what creates the ideal thick, creamy consistency for your pasta sauce.

Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes—it will gently thicken into a dreamy sauce as it bubbles away.

Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce. The cheese not only thickens the sauce even more but also brings that signature rich and salty flavor to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add your pasta. Toss everything together until the noodles and chicken are luxuriously coated in that irresistible cream sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

To finish, pile the pasta onto plates and top with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. The green herbs make the dish look restaurant-worthy, while the cheese gives everyone that savory kick they crave.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A big shower of chopped fresh parsley and a final flourish of grated Parmesan make each plate look stunning and taste even more inviting. For special occasions, a little lemon zest or a dusting of black pepper can add brightness and a hint of sophistication.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta pairs perfectly with a light, crisp salad—something with arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens. Garlic bread or warm ciabatta on the side is also a total crowd-pleaser, soaking up every drop of that glorious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try twirling the pasta into neat nests for an elegant look or serve it family-style piled high in a big bowl sprinkled with parsley and cheese. You can also portion it into ramekins and broil with a little extra Parmesan for a bubbly, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of milk when reheating brings it back to silky perfection. Enjoy your leftovers within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers if needed, but keep in mind creamy sauces can change texture when thawed. For best results, let the pasta cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat for a convenient meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little milk or cream as you stir to restore the creamy texture so it tastes just as dreamy as freshly made. Patience here pays off—low and slow is the secret to reviving that silky sauce!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just add it to the sauce with the pasta and toss until heated through for an easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta upgrade.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, you can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter, but still delicious, sauce. If using milk, add a touch more Parmesan to help thicken things up.

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Definitely—spinach, steamed broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes are delicious add-ins that bring extra color and flavor to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Just stir them in with the pasta at the end!

What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme will do the trick. Feel free to use what you have in your spice cabinet to blend the herby notes just the way you like.

Why does my sauce separate or get grainy?

This usually happens if the heat is too high or the cheese is added all at once. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, add the cheese gradually, and stir constantly for the creamiest result in your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a dish that feels both comforting and impressive, you simply can’t go wrong with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Dive in, enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t be surprised if this quickly becomes the go-to dinner recipe everyone begs for. Happy cooking!