Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Indulgent Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Weeknight dinners have never looked so delicious with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

The blend of rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken creates a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

garlic infuses every bite with its aromatic warmth, while parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth.

Perfectly cooked pasta serves as the ideal canvas for this creamy masterpiece.

Each forkful delivers a luxurious combination of textures and tastes that will make you feel like a gourmet chef.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta: All the Best Features

  • Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This pasta dish delivers knockout flavors that'll have everyone asking for seconds, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy steps like marinating, searing chicken, and creating a creamy sauce that boost your culinary confidence without complicated methods.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe flexible for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, transforming basic ingredients into a delicious dinner that looks and tastes impressive.

Ingredient List for Chicken Garlic Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A tender and lean protein that serves as the star of this creamy pasta dish.
Pasta and Sauce Base:
  • Pasta, Pasta Type: A hearty base that absorbs the rich and creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and velvety texture to the sauce.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps develop deep flavors in the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a fragrant and savory foundation for the sauce.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty dimension to the pasta.
  • Olive Oil: Helps marinate and season the chicken before cooking.
  • Spices (Optional): Create depth and complexity in the chicken's flavor.

Steps to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Butterfly chicken breasts and rub them with a blend of dried herbs, salt, and olive oil.

Allow the chicken to soak up those delicious flavors for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Sizzle And Brown The Chicken

Heat a skillet with butter and carefully place the chicken breasts.

Cook each side until golden brown and perfectly crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Transfer to a cutting board and let the chicken rest before slicing.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt fresh butter and sauté:
  • Finely chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Create The Luxurious Sauce

Whisk in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Flour mixture to thicken
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Dried Italian herbs

Simmer the sauce until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Combine And Serve

Toss freshly cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce.

Slice the rested chicken and arrange on top.

Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for a stunning finish.

Tips for Cheesy, Saucy Chicken Pasta

  • Marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for deeper taste and more tender meat.
  • Cook pasta just al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with creamy sauce.
  • Gradually add cream and whisk continuously to ensure smooth, silky consistency.
  • Adjust flour slurry amount to achieve desired sauce density without becoming too heavy.
  • Swap cream for coconut milk and use gluten-free pasta to create a dairy-free, gluten-free version.

Chicken Pasta Variations for Every Mood

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a plant-based version.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Replace garlic with chipotle peppers and add cumin, swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the creamy sauce's rich flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce and choose gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetable noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Serving Chicken Garlic Pasta for Dinner

  • Rustic Family Dinner Style: Serve on large wooden platters with fresh herb sprinkles, creating a cozy farmhouse dining experience that feels warm and inviting.
  • Elegant Plating Option: Arrange sliced chicken atop twirled pasta, drizzle extra sauce, and garnish with delicate parmesan shavings for a restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Hearty Side Companions: Pair with roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or crisp green salad to balance the creamy pasta's richness and add nutritional variety.
  • Weekend Gathering Idea: Create a build-your-own pasta station where guests can customize their portions with extra cheese, herbs, or red pepper flakes for personalized enjoyment.

How to Store Chicken Pasta for Leftovers

  • Store pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken and pasta to maintain best texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Pour cooled pasta and chicken into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Keeps well for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm pasta in microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently and heat in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out or overcooking.
  • When storing sauce-based dishes, place plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent skin formation and maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent my chicken from becoming tough?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F without overcooking. Rest the chicken after cooking to retain moisture and let juices redistribute.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well. Choose pasta with ridges or curves to help sauce cling better. Thicker pastas hold creamy sauces more effectively.

  • What if my sauce is too thick or thin?

For a thicker sauce, add more Parmesan cheese or simmer longer. If too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and gradually stir into the sauce. Always mix cornstarch with cold liquid to prevent lumps.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with rich, cheesy goodness. Savory chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 large chicken breast, butterflied
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Pasta and Seasoning:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) Fusilli pasta
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter for cooking chicken
  • 2 tablespoons butter for sauce
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Butterfly the chicken and coat with a blend of aromatic seasonings and olive oil, allowing the flavors to penetrate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Heat a skillet with butter and sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest before slicing.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in butter until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their subtle sweetness.
  4. Create a smooth sauce base by whisking cream and flour together, then pour into the skillet. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and develops a luxurious consistency. Incorporate additional seasonings to enhance the flavor profile.
  5. Cook pasta until al dente, then fold it into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, nutty dimension.
  6. Arrange the sliced chicken atop the pasta, creating an elegant presentation that showcases the dish’s layers of flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Enhance meat flavor by using a blend of smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cracked black pepper during marination for deeper taste profile.
  • Prevent dryness by using chicken thighs instead of breasts, which retain more moisture and create richer texture.
  • Transform into gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles and using cornstarch as thickening agent.
  • Boost nutritional value by adding roasted vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli directly into sauce for extra vitamins and color.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 800
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 30 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star