Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Introduction
If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish, this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the perfect choice! Tender, seasoned chicken is paired with a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce and tossed with pasta for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different proteins, vegetables, or pasta types.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – Fewer dishes to clean and easy preparation.
- Creamy & garlicky – A rich Parmesan sauce with plenty of garlic for extra flavor.
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
To make this creamy, cheesy pasta dish, you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or deep pan
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set aside.
- Season and cook the chicken – While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic – In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Make the creamy sauce – Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Melt the Parmesan cheese – Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Add the cooked chicken – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Toss in the pasta – Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until fully coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately while warm.

Tips for the Best Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly in sauces.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s cooked through to keep it juicy.
- Adjust the sauce consistency – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or extra broth.
- Add more garlic for extra flavor – If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
Variations & Substitutions
- Try a different protein – Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different take on the dish.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream – For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half, but note that it won’t be as rich.
- Add vegetables – Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
- Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken – It should be golden and cooked through, but not dry.
- Letting the sauce boil – Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from separating.
- Skipping the pasta water – This helps the sauce stick to the pasta better.
What to Serve with Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This creamy pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Roasted vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make a great side.
- Fresh salad – A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
- Reheating – Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. If using milk, add 1 tablespoon of flour to the butter and garlic to help thicken it.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, and linguine work best because they hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious meal ideas.
Print
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
- Sauté the garlic – In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce – Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Melt the cheese – Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Combine everything – Return chicken to the skillet and mix well. Toss in the pasta until coated in sauce.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture.
- Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water as needed.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Reheat leftovers on low heat with a splash of broth or cream.