Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Rich & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously smooth garlic parmesan sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Perfect for busy families or date nights, this dish is packed with bold flavors and uses simple ingredients you likely already have. Plus, it’s highly customizable—swap in your favorite pasta, add veggies, or adjust the creaminess to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔️ Quick & easy (ready in 30 minutes!)
✔️ Rich, restaurant-quality flavor
✔️ Family-friendly and customizable
✔️ Uses pantry staples

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

*(Serves 4-6)*

For the Chicken & Pasta:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cubed

  • 12 oz penne pasta (or fettuccine, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter (unsalted)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).

  • Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2. Season & Cook the Chicken

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

  • Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.

  • Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

  • Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

  • Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Combine Everything

  • Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet.

  • Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Helpful Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta

✅ Use freshly grated parmesan—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
✅ Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce.
✅ Adjust creaminess by adding more broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
✅ Add veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Variations & Substitutions

🔹 Lighter Version: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
🔹 Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free.
🔹 Extra Protein: Add crispy bacon or shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
🔹 Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted veggies or chickpeas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?

While convenient, freshly grated parmesan melts smoother and tastes richer. Pre-shredded cheese may result in a slightly grainy texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon reheating.

What pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but any pasta shape will work!

How can I make it spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—creamy, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Try it tonight and let us know how it turns out in the comments!

 

  • Garlic parmesan sauce

  • 30-minute pasta dinner

  • Family-friendly pasta

  • Creamy chicken pasta

  • Weeknight dinner ideas

Enjoy cooking and ranking! 🍜✨

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