If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, utterly delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender strips of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. It’s comfort food elevated with simple, fresh ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or a relaxed weekend treat, this recipe will surely become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, yet essential—each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors, enticing textures, and inviting colors that make this dish so irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta to life:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice): Pick the shape you love most; it serves as the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: Tender chicken strips provide protein and heartiness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and keeps the chicken juicy while cooking.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Butter melts into the sauce to create a silky, rich base full of flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma and savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: A secret weapon to thicken the sauce just right.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and boosts savory notes, balancing the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star of the sauce’s creamy texture and luscious flavor.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it melts beautifully for that classic cheesy finish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors harmoniously.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spice and warmth.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh color and a hint of green freshness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package’s directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the noodles have just the right bite, so they won’t get mushy once combined with the sauce. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining; its starchiness helps loosen and bind the sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken strips with salt and pepper generously. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook the strips for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly and reach a juicy, cooked-through state. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. This step locks in flavors and gives you those golden edges that bring great texture to the dish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for a minute until it becomes fragrant, careful not to burn it. Sprinkle in the flour, cooking and stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which thickens the sauce beautifully. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps, bringing the mixture to a low simmer. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring gently until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and luscious—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This sauce is the heart of the whole dish, rich and comforting with every creamy spoonful.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Add the chicken back into the skillet and pour in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently so the hot sauce coats every piece of chicken and noodle. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Let the whole mixture cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to let all those flavors marry perfectly and heat through.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green that not only makes the dish look beautiful but also brings a lovely freshness that cuts through the richness. Don’t hesitate to add extra grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy punch that’s sure to please any cheese lover at the table.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also complement the dish with their earthy flavors and added texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta stuffed inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic look that impresses guests instantly. Alternatively, plate it in individual shallow bowls and garnish with a few chili flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate the breakfast table or a casual dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and honestly, who wouldn’t?), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe stays delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or an easy reheated dinner.
Freezing
Though the sauce is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve as much texture and flavor as possible.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the sauce silky instead of separating. Add a splash of milk or pasta water while warming to refresh the creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures, as it can dry out the chicken and sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is classic here, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses also melt well and bring their own unique taste. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread, use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative, and swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Fettuccine and penne are excellent because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to experiment with rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti depending on your preference.
Can I add vegetables directly to the recipe?
Definitely add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce cooking step for added flavor, nutrition, and color.
How long does it take to prepare this meal from start to finish?
This entire creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe takes about 35 minutes, making it quick enough for busy weeknights yet rich enough to impress when hosting friends.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation. The way the flavors meld together with comforting creaminess and a hint of garlicky goodness is pure magic. So grab those simple ingredients, whip up this dish, and enjoy every satisfying bite—you’ll be glad you did!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce with Parmesan cheese, tossed with your choice of pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Make it Creamy: Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to combine evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and taste.
- To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
