When the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta graces your table, it’s like a warm hug from your favorite culinary companion. Imagine thick, luscious strands of pasta enveloped in a velvety sauce infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic and the savory kick of parmesan. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your taste buds, making you feel like you’ve just landed in a cozy Italian trattoria. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
This dish isn’t just about food; it’s about memories. I remember the first time I made this creamy delight for my family on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Their oohs and aahs echoed through the kitchen as they devoured every last morsel. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting meal after a long day. You can practically hear your taste buds whispering sweet nothings in anticipation of this flavor-packed experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is quick and easy to whip up on busy weeknights
- The rich, savory flavors make it an instant family favorite, appealing to both kids and adults alike
- Its beautiful presentation ensures it shines on any dinner table, while its versatility allows you to customize it with veggies or proteins based on your preferences
Sharing this dish at family gatherings always brings smiles and compliments. It’s become an essential part of our Sunday dinners. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Pasta: Use fettuccine or penne for the perfect texture that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; nothing beats that aromatic punch!
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Heavy Cream: This is key for achieving that luscious, creamy consistency that makes this dish irresistible.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own cheese for maximum flavor; pre-grated cheese just doesn’t cut it.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; its fruity notes enhance the overall flavor.
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Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness to finish off the dish beautifully.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors in this pasta creation.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Add Garlic: Once chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—careful not to burn it.
Create the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything Together: Slice cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently so that every strand gets coated in that dreamy sauce.
Add Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over your creamy masterpiece before serving hot.
Now sit back, grab a fork, and dig into this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta—it’s comfort food at its finest!
You Must Know
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest
- Quick to whip up, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table, infusing rich flavors and creamy textures that make every bite a warm hug for your taste buds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken first to lock in flavors, then cook pasta while preparing your creamy sauce. This way, everything comes together beautifully without overcooking any component.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can also swap out chicken for shrimp or even leave it out entirely for a delightful vegetarian version.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh garlic for intense flavor; dried garlic lacks that zing
- Don’t rush the sauce; let it simmer to develop depth
- Always reserve some pasta water; it helps adjust sauce consistency later
Sometimes, I’ve had friends rave about this dish so much that they’ve made me promise to teach them how to create this magic in their own kitchens.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you love will work just fine in this creamy dish.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can substitute whole wheat pasta and add more vegetables for added nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prep the ingredients earlier but combine them shortly before serving for optimal creaminess and flavor.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine straight to your table. With tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce, each bite is sure to impress. Quick to prepare, this comforting meal is ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown (6-7 minutes per side). Remove and let rest.
- Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, simmer gently, then stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet with the cooked pasta; toss to combine.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider including vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. To lighten the dish, use whole wheat pasta and increase vegetable content. Make ahead by prepping ingredients but combine them just before serving for best results.