If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in cozy flavors and indulgent textures, this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe hits every mark. Combining tender chicken, rich garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up right in your own kitchen. The delicious balance of savory garlic and sharp Parmesan cheese makes each bite a dream, while the creamy sauce keeps the pasta luxuriously moist. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite you love to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, together creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. These simple staples come together beautifully to deliver a creamy, rich pasta dish with the perfect balance of garlic punch and cheesy goodness.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base and helps cook the chicken to a golden brown.
- Chicken breast: Provides lean, tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic intensity and warmth.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base of the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly while intensifying the savory flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers sharp, nutty richness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Fettuccine pasta: Thick noodles that hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a touch of spicy warmth if you want to kick things up a notch.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbaceous note for the finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat — this sets the stage for perfectly cooked chicken. Cut your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Add them to the hot skillet and stir occasionally as they turn golden and juicy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. This step releases its incredible fragrance; cook it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. The key here is to keep the garlic from burning, which would make the sauce bitter, so watch it closely.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now comes the magic — pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to blend with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which allows the sauce to thicken just right over 3 to 5 minutes. This creamy base is what makes the dish so irresistibly rich.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt smoothly into the sauce to create a silky texture and full-bodied flavor. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick. Keep stirring so the cheese blends perfectly without clumping.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, cook your fettuccine pasta in a separate pot following the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water before draining — this starchy water is a secret weapon to adjust your sauce’s consistency later.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Return to your skillet and gently toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, making sure every strand is coated luxuriously. Then fold the chicken back in, uniting all the great flavors. If your sauce looks a bit thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you achieve that perfect creamy texture.
Step 7: Final Taste and Garnish
Give everything a final taste and tweak the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and brightness, then serve immediately to enjoy this comforting masterpiece at its best.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and in flavor, fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice that brings a light herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for cheesier indulgence or a few red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a hearty main, so accompanying it with something light and crisp balances the meal. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon works wonderfully. Some crusty garlic bread is a perfect, indulgent side that helps mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a sprig of parsley and a parmesan crisp. For a fun twist, try layering the pasta and sauce in an attractive glass casserole dish, then broiling briefly for a bubbly golden top. No matter how you plate it, this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so when reheated, it may require a splash of milk or broth to bring back its creamy texture. Make sure to store it separate from any salad or bread to keep flavors fresh.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy after reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm your leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of broth, cream, or even reserved pasta water while reheating will help restore the smooth sauce consistency. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring, as the sauce might separate or become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic, penne, linguine, or even rigatoni work beautifully. Just be mindful of cooking times and pasta shapes to ensure the sauce clings well.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Using less oil and opting for skinless, boneless chicken breast helps keep calories down as well.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are popular additions that complement the flavors perfectly. Add them while cooking the garlic to soften and release their flavors before adding the cream.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand?
Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be great substitutes, offering a similar salty, nutty profile. Just use slightly less if the cheese is saltier than Parmesan.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The optional red pepper flakes add only a mild heat that can be adjusted to taste. If you prefer no spice, simply leave them out — the dish remains flavorful and creamy without the kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is truly a comfort food champion, combining straightforward ingredients into a sumptuous dish that feels fancy yet is easy enough for any night of the week. I encourage you to try making it soon — it’s a delicious way to treat yourself and those you love. Once you taste the creamy, garlicky goodness, you’ll understand why it’s a keeper for your recipe box!
Print
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A luscious and comforting creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta made with tender chicken breast pieces simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. This easy stovetop recipe combines savory flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying dinner that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken onto a plate and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add liquids for sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the garlic.
- Simmer sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
- Melt cheese into sauce: Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking, stirring often until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season sauce: Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using; mix thoroughly to combine.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain pasta: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Add chicken back in: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and stir everything together to incorporate the protein with the pasta and sauce.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
- Final seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed for balanced flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta and chicken to add freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta immediately while hot for the best experience.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add crushed chili for more heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother melting.
- If the sauce thickens too much after resting, thin it with a splash of additional chicken broth or cream before reheating.
- Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breast for a juicier texture.
- Adding steamed or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can enhance the dish’s nutrition and flavor.
