Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a simple yet indulgent dinner, you’ll love this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta recipe. It combines tender chicken, rich garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked pasta to create a comfort meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish delivers deep, savory flavors in every bite while staying incredibly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples that come together in a rich, flavorful dish.
• Comfort food perfection: Creamy sauce and tender chicken make it irresistibly satisfying.
• Family-friendly appeal: Mild yet flavorful, loved by kids and adults alike.
• One-pan option available: Reduces cleanup with minimal cookware required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta requires just a few essential ingredients. Each one builds layers of flavor, from the sharpness of garlic to the nuttiness of Parmesan, while the chicken adds hearty protein and the pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless and skinless for quick cooking and tender bites.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the sauce that signature aromatic depth.
• Butter and olive oil: Combination brings richness and helps in sautéing perfectly.
• Heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates a smooth, luscious sauce base.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Chicken broth: Enhances flavor while thinning the sauce to perfect consistency.
• Italian seasoning or fresh herbs: Elevates the dish with hints of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or your favorite kind to hold the creamy sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all flavors.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta is how easily it adapts to your preferences or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Swap the chicken for shrimp: For a seafood twist that cooks just as fast.
• Use spinach or kale: Toss in fresh greens for vibrant color and nutrition.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes: To deepen the flavor profile with umami richness.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for heat.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Season with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter or oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing the savory garlic aroma that forms the sauce’s base.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly—about 3-5 minutes. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce turns silky and smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While preparing the sauce, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce, then toss in the drained pasta. Mix well to coat every strand or piece in the luscious sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add a splash of reserved pasta water if you need a thinner consistency.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

• Fresh garlic matters: Use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced for brighter flavor.
• Don’t overcook chicken: Slightly undercook chicken since it will finish cooking in the sauce.
• Grate your own Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes more vibrant.
• Reserve pasta water: It contains starch that helps bind the sauce and pasta together smoothly.
• Low and slow sauce simmer: Keeps cream from curdling and creates a velvety texture.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

Top your creamy garlic chicken & Parmesan pasta with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a refreshing touch of color and an herbal lift. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes can add both flavor and a bit of pizazz.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple side salads, such as a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or individual ramekins topped with melted cheese and broiled for a gratin-style finish. Or plate it alongside garlic bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover creamy garlic chicken & Parmesan pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds well but may thicken as it chills.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the creamy sauce may separate once thawed. For best results, freeze before adding the cream sauce or freeze cooked chicken and pasta separately and combine fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent curdling or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with any shape you like, though wider noodles like fettuccine or penne tend to hold the sauce best.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter. You can also increase veggies for added nutrition and bulk.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook pasta fresh before combining everything.

What is the best cheese substitute if I don’t have Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes with similar salty, nutty flavors. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses due to anti-caking agents affecting melt quality.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta is a winner every time you want a comforting, delicious meal without the fuss. Its balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic garlic is like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try tonight, and you’ll quickly see why it’s become such a beloved favorite for weeknight dinners!

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