Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is comfort food that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily at home. Tender chicken pairs with pasta coated in a silky garlic parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite. This recipe delivers rich flavor without fuss, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a dish that satisfies the whole table. Once you try this version, you’ll see why it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, so you can get dinner on the table fast.
• Simple ingredients: Uses everyday staples like pasta, garlic, cream, and parmesan nothing fancy required.
• One-pan sauce: The chicken and sauce cook together in a single skillet, keeping cleanup simple.
• Restaurant flavor at home: Rich, garlicky cream sauce turns a basic chicken and pasta combo into something special.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the creamy sauce, and adults appreciate the balanced seasoning.

This recipe stands out because the parmesan and pasta water work together to create a smooth sauce, which happens as starch molecules thicken and help liquids bind, according to the University of Kentucky Extension. If you love creamy chicken dinners, try our Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo for a one-skillet twist with a bright tomato bite.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or neutral oil)

Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnish

• 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Cracked black pepper, to finish

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: Chicken thighs bring a juicier bite if you prefer dark meat.
• Pasta: Any short pasta shape works, though long noodles hold sauce beautifully.
• Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
• Gluten-free: Choose certified gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch for thickening.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated, which can cause clumps.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry. Lightly pound to even thickness for consistent cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Sear for flavor: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. (Tip: Browning creates flavorful bits that enrich the sauce.)
3. Start the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt butter. Stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Build the cream sauce: Sprinkle in flour and whisk until no white streaks remain. Slowly add chicken broth, whisking constantly, then pour in heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer and thicken: Return chicken to the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover slightly, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally, as the USDA recommends for poultry safety.
6. Add parmesan: Remove the chicken, slice it, and stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and silky. If it looks too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Cook pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
8. Bring it all together: Add pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic parmesan sauce. Place sliced chicken on top. Adjust consistency with a spoonful of pasta water if needed.
9. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper before serving warm.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Expert Tips

• For the smoothest sauce: Grate parmesan fresh from the block, since MSU’s Center for Research on Ingredient Safety explains anti-caking agents in shredded cheese keep shreds from clumping yet can change melt behavior.
• Balance the salt: Parmesan is naturally salty, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
• Perfect pasta texture: Always cook pasta in well-salted water and pull it just shy of al dente. It will finish in the sauce.
• Silky consistency: Reserve a little pasta water it’s liquid gold for loosening and emulsifying cream sauces.
• Sear the chicken well: The golden bits in the pan dissolve into the sauce, creating rich flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating the cream: High heat can cause cream to separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
• Skipping the whisk: Flour must be whisked smoothly into the butter or the sauce may taste floury.
• Adding cheese too soon: Stir parmesan after removing chicken, or it may clump from too much heat.

Clever Shortcut

Short on time? Swap raw chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken. Stir it directly into the sauce at the end for the same creamy finish in half the time.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
• Add warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up extra sauce.
• Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley for a restaurant-style finish.
• For a cozy fall side or next-night dinner, whip up our Pumpkin Pasta with a silky, lightly spiced cream sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days and freeze for up to 3–4 months for quality and safety, per USDA guidance; for best texture with creamy sauces, aim to use frozen portions within about 2–3 months.

Reheating

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to restore creaminess.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring often, to avoid separating the sauce.

Variations

• One-pot stovetop: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with added broth for fewer dishes.
• Slow cooker version: Add chicken, broth, cream, and seasonings to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Stir in parmesan at the end and toss with pasta.
• Baked spicy option: Prefer a baked spin with a little heat, make Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti for a cheesy, crowd-friendly casserole.
• Add-ins: Baby spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli florets make it more filling and colorful.
• Lighter swaps: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or replace some cream with chicken broth for a leaner sauce.

Nutritional Information

This breakdown is based on one serving when the recipe is divided into four portions. Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	649 kcal
Carbohydrates	56 g
Protein	23 g
Total Fat	37 g
Saturated Fat	21 g
Sodium	447 mg
Fiber	2 g
Calcium	116 mg
Iron	1 mg

Nutrition Notes

• Protein: Lean chicken breasts provide steady protein that makes this meal filling.
• Healthy fats: Cream and parmesan supply richness but also contribute saturated fat, so portion control helps balance intake.
• Carbs: Pasta delivers steady energy, and cooking it al dente helps keep the glycemic impact lower than overcooked pasta, which digests faster and can raise blood glucose more quickly, notes Columbia University.
• Add-ins: Vegetables like spinach or broccoli boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals without altering the creamy flavor.

Tip: If you adjust ingredients, online tools like Cronometer or MyFitnessPal can help you recalculate nutrition values.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special every time. The tender chicken, silky sauce, and perfectly coated pasta make this dish a guaranteed hit for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. It’s quick, flexible, and packed with flavor that everyone at the table will enjoy.

If you give this recipe a try, let us know how it turned out. Leave a comment and star rating, and don’t forget to share it on Pinterest or Facebook so more people can enjoy it too. What’s your favorite add-in spinach, mushrooms, or something else? We’d love to hear about your twist.

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