Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! This recipe features tender, juicy chicken, a rich and velvety Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an irresistible combination of flavors that feels like a restaurant-quality meal, but it’s simple enough to prepare at home in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish uses pantry-friendly ingredients like garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and pasta. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this pasta recipe is sure to impress.
What makes this dish even better? It’s highly versatile! Add vegetables, use different pasta shapes, or tweak the seasoning to suit your taste. This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: With simple ingredients, this recipe is budget-friendly and hassle-free.
- Creamy Comfort: The Parmesan sauce is rich, silky, and full of flavor—guaranteed to satisfy.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, swap the chicken for shrimp, or use gluten-free pasta.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
This recipe is a great way to elevate everyday ingredients into something special. The balance of garlic, Parmesan, and cream creates a dish that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare. Serve it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment Used
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Strainer
Directions & 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 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Swap the Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead. Reheat gently before serving, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: You can use milk, but the sauce will be less rich. For better consistency, consider adding a tablespoon of butter.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve pasta water—it’s great for thinning the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay.
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz pasta spaghetti or fettuccine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
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 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce consistency.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
Don't overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.