The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

There are some flavor combinations that are just pure magic, and for me, garlic, Parmesan, and cream are right at the top of that list. As the evenings start to get a little cooler here, this is the exact kind of dinner I find myself craving—something warm, comforting, and ridiculously delicious.

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dinner. It’s rich, incredibly satisfying, and comes together so quickly you won’t believe it. We’re talking tender bites of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all swimming in a luxurious, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce that you’ll want to eat with a spoon.

If you’re looking for a weeknight recipe that feels special and is guaranteed to get rave reviews from everyone at the table, let’s get cooking!

 

What Does This Creamy Chicken Pasta Taste Like?

The sauce is the absolute star here. It’s incredibly creamy and it clings to every single piece of pasta, which is exactly what you want. But it’s not just heavy; the fresh garlic gives it a pungent, savory kick that cuts through the richness, and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful salty, nutty depth that is just so satisfying.

When you get that perfect bite with the tender chicken, the sauce-coated pasta, and maybe a little fresh parsley, it’s just heaven. It’s truly like a hug in a bowl. It has all the decadent appeal of a classic Fettuccine Alfredo you’d get at a great restaurant, but it’s even easier to whip up at home than my Creamy Tuscan Chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

 

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy pasta dish.

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need

 

• A large pot for cooking pasta
• A large skillet
• Tongs or a pasta fork
• A good whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

 

Recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

 

Follow these simple steps for the creamiest, most delicious pasta dinner.

1. Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente (still has a slight bite). Before you drain it, be sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water! Then drain the pasta.

2. Cook the Chicken While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

4. Make It Creamy Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly.

5. Add the Cheese Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season the sauce with a little more salt and pepper to your taste.

6. Combine Everything Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This is the secret to a perfect sauce!

7. Garnish and Serve Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top.

 

My Favorite Ways to Customize This Pasta

 

This dish is a fantastic base for getting creative. Here are a few of my favorite additions:

1. Add Veggies: I love tossing in some steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or a big handful of fresh spinach at the end until it wilts. Sun-dried tomatoes are also amazing in this!
2. Try It With Shrimp: Swap the chicken for peeled and deveined shrimp for a delicious seafood version. They cook super fast—just a minute or two per side.
3. Crank Up the Heat: If you like a little spice, add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
4. Add a Squeeze of Lemon: A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end can brighten up all the rich, creamy flavors beautifully.

 

My Personal Tips for the Perfect Creamy Pasta

 

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente! It will continue to cook a little bit more when you toss it in the hot sauce, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
2. The Magic of Pasta Water: I can’t say this enough: save that pasta water! The starch in the water helps the creamy sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the pasta. It’s the key to a silky, non-greasy sauce.
3. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Please, please use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. The pre-shredded kind contains anti-caking agents that will prevent it from melting smoothly and can make your sauce grainy. Trust me on this!
4. Low Heat for the Cheese: Always lower the heat before adding your cheese. If the sauce is boiling, the cheese can clump up or separate. A gentle heat is all you need to melt it beautifully.

 

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

 

Creamy pasta dishes are always best eaten fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I strongly recommend doing it gently in a skillet on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and bring it back to life. The microwave tends to make the sauce oily and the chicken tough.

 

Common Queries on This Chicken Pasta Recipe

 

1. Can I make this dish lighter? You can try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. You could also use a little less butter. It will still be delicious, just with a different consistency.

2. Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Just omit the chicken. I would sauté some mushrooms and maybe some sun-dried tomatoes in its place for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian version.

3. My sauce seems too thick (or thin). How do I fix it? This is where your reserved pasta water comes in! If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water until it’s the consistency you like. If it’s too thin, let it simmer on low for a few more minutes or add a little more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it up.

This recipe is a true showstopper and one of my all-time favorites for a reason. It’s simple, quick, and tastes absolutely divine. I hope you love it as much as I do! Let me know in the comments if you give it a try!