Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes. It combines tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights, offering an easy one-pan dinner that’s both indulgent and irresistibly creamy.
This creamy chicken pasta recipe stands out thanks to its bold garlic flavor, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and the flexibility to customize with your favorite pasta shapes or add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re searching for a satisfying, easy-to-make dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta will quickly become a go-to favorite. It’s a must-try for fans of hearty, cheesy pasta dishes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ One-pan dinner
- ✔️ Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✔️ Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- ✔️ Easily customizable (add spinach or mushrooms!)
- ✔️ Freezer-friendly sauce for future use
What Is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
This dish is a deliciously elevated take on classic chicken Alfredo, bringing even more depth, richness, and irresistible flavor to your table. It combines golden sautéed garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese with a smooth, buttery cream sauce that wraps around every noodle. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast adds protein and heartiness, while tender fettuccine or penne pasta makes the base for this satisfying comfort meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for company.
Here’s what makes this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta so special:
- Sautéed garlic and Parmesan cheese for a bold, savory flavor
- Creamy, buttery sauce that’s luxuriously smooth and rich
- Perfectly seasoned chicken breast cooked to golden, juicy perfection
- Fettuccine or penne pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully
Decadent and comforting, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare—making it the ideal recipe for anyone craving a homemade, restaurant-style pasta dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to bring this delicious recipe to life:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 2 (sliced thin) |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth (optional) | ½ cup (for thinning) |
| Cooked pasta (fettuccine or penne) | 12 oz (al dente) |
| Fresh parsley (chopped, optional) | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
To start your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, slice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to lock in bold, savory flavor. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked—about 3–4 minutes per side. This adds a juicy, protein-packed base to your easy chicken pasta recipe. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Next, prepare your homemade Alfredo-style sauce in the same skillet—no need to clean it, as those browned bits enhance the flavor. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, then add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Thin with ½ cup chicken broth if needed for a silky texture that coats pasta beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Pasta & Finish the Dish
Add 12 oz of cooked fettuccine or penne pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure every bite is coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan mixture. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. This step completes your creamy garlic chicken pasta dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy a satisfying, restaurant-style dish made effortlessly at home.
Variations & Add-Ons
- Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon
- Use zoodles or gluten-free pasta for a low-carb version
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
FAQ – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream in this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe, but note that the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a creamier texture, use half-and-half or add 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese while whisking the sauce. These alternatives maintain the creamy consistency while reducing fat content slightly, making it a flexible choice for your easy creamy pasta recipe.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The garlic Parmesan cream sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to preserve its smooth texture. Making the sauce ahead is a great time-saver for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy homemade chicken Alfredo pasta with minimal prep.
3. What pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work wonderfully in this creamy chicken pasta recipe. These pasta shapes have enough surface area or ridges to hold the rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Avoid overly delicate pasta types like angel hair, as they may not support the heavier sauce well. Choosing the right pasta ensures every bite is coated in that decadent, creamy goodness.
4. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce from your chicken Parmesan pasta separately. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. It’s best to cook and add the pasta fresh, as frozen pasta can turn mushy after thawing and reheating.
5. How do I avoid the sauce becoming too thick?
If your Parmesan cream sauce thickens too much while simmering or reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Stir well until the sauce loosens to your desired consistency. This tip helps preserve the silky, pourable texture that makes this creamy garlic chicken pasta so satisfying and easy to enjoy any night of the week.
Conclusion: Dinner Goals = Achieved
Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers everything you love in a comfort food classic—rich, garlicky, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and tender pasta, making it a standout choice for your weekly dinner rotation. Inspired by traditional Alfredo sauce, this upgraded version brings homemade flavor without the restaurant price or prep time.
Tried this easy chicken pasta recipe? Leave a comment below and share your personal twist—did you add spinach, swap in shrimp, or use gluten-free pasta? We’d love to hear it! And don’t forget to follow us for more quick, comforting dinner ideas that bring joy to every plate.
More Recipes
Craving more easy, flavor-packed recipes to add to your weekly rotation? Here are a few favorites from our kitchen that deliver bold taste with minimal effort:
- Whip up a quick and wholesome treat with these lemon oatmeal no-bake cookies—a refreshing, no-fuss twist on a classic dessert, perfect for summer snacking.
- Fire up bold flavor with these cheddar-stuffed BBQ bacon bombs—melty, smoky, and perfect for game day, cookouts, or hearty appetizers.
- Recreate your favorite fast food indulgence at home with this copycat Taco Bell chili cheese burrito—a warm, saucy meal that’s satisfying and freezer-friendly.
- Complete your seafood spread with our best seafood boil sauce—a buttery, garlicky, Cajun-style dip that takes any seafood boil to the next level.
- For something sweet and nostalgic, bake up this irresistible s’mores cookie recipe—a chewy cookie packed with chocolate, graham crackers, and gooey marshmallows.
