Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Indulge in this rich and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta that's perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-21T09:42:42.914Z

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a delightful blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce. It's a comforting dish that the whole family will love!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy sauce that clings to every noodle
  • Savory garlic flavor with a hint of parmesan
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

A Comforting Classic

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Its rich, velvety sauce envelops the pasta, making each bite an indulgent experience. The harmonious blend of garlic and parmesan creates a delightful flavor profile that is both satisfying and uplifting. This dish not only satisfies cravings but also brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners.

Moreover, this dish is versatile—feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting the chicken with shrimp or mushrooms. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins and veggies, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your family's tastes. No matter how you choose to make it, the creamy garlic parmesan flavor will always shine through.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook can be challenging. That's why this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your go-to recipe for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for those busy evenings when you want something homemade without the hassle.

The recipe is straightforward, guiding you through each step to ensure success. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, you'll find that this dish is easy to master, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully, making it a fantastic option for lunch the next day.

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing this creamy pasta dish with a simple side salad. A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the pasta without overwhelming your palate. You could also serve some crusty garlic bread on the side for an extra touch of indulgence, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

For beverage pairings, a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the flavors beautifully. The acidity in the wine cuts through the creaminess of the sauce, providing a refreshing balance. Alternatively, sparkling water with a slice of lemon makes for a delightful non-alcoholic option that keeps your meal light and enjoyable.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta and chicken strips to the sauce. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein!

Storage Tips

If you have leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.

For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.

Nutritional Information

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal. Each serving is packed with protein from the chicken, essential for muscle repair and growth. The heavy cream and cheese add a satisfying richness, while the pasta offers a good source of carbohydrates, fueling your body with energy.

However, if you're looking to lighten the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, to increase the fiber content and add vibrant colors to your plate. These adjustments can help you enjoy this indulgent dish while still keeping it nutritious.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or rotini.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in this rich and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta that's perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Pasta

  1. 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  2. 4 cups water
  3. 1 tsp salt

For the Chicken

  1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. Salt and pepper to taste
  3. 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

  1. 3 tbsp butter
  2. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 1 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  5. 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  6. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.

Step 03

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 04

Add the cooked pasta and chicken strips to the sauce. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 05

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 25g