Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and a smooth, garlicky cream sauce. It’s an easy yet indulgent meal perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- Olive oil
- Chicken breast (sliced or diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Chicken broth
- Basil (fresh or dried)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken breast, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free: Swap traditional pasta for gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works well.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well, but any pasta will do.
Can I freeze this pasta?
The sauce can be frozen separately, but the pasta may become mushy upon reheating.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, milk, or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding the cream and stir continuously.
What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good substitutes.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free milk alternative and nutritional yeast.
How do I enhance the flavor?
Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of sugar to balance the richness.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta is a deliciously simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just craving comfort food, this easy recipe will become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a creamy, garlicky, and flavorful pasta dish!
Print
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is packed with juicy pan-seared chicken, buttery garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made in just 30 minutes, perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth (optional, to thin the sauce if needed)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water (only if needed for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken slices with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C). Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add chicken broth or reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tip: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
- Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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