Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

The sauce is the heart of this dish—creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with the nutty sharpness of parmesan and the deep, savory goodness of garlic. As it simmers on the stove, it envelops the chicken and pasta in a silky blanket that feels both comforting and indulgent. The garlic infuses the sauce with a warmth that fills your kitchen, making it impossible not to sneak a taste as it thickens. With each bite, the flavors meld together so beautifully that it almost feels like a secret your taste buds are in on. The subtle tang of the cream, combined with the salty depth of the parmesan, creates a savory symphony that dances across your palate.

What I love about this dish is how it brings everything together so effortlessly, but still feels like a little treat. You don’t need to slave over it for hours, yet you end up with something so satisfying and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it was made just for you, and with a few simple tweaks, it can be personalized to your taste. Want a little extra kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. Want to boost the garlic flavor? Don’t be shy with the cloves! Every little addition takes this pasta to new levels, and that’s the magic of it. You can tailor this dish to fit your mood, and that’s what makes it so special.

Key Ingredients in Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Every great recipe starts with a carefully selected set of ingredients, and this creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta is no exception. From the juicy chicken to the rich parmesan, each element plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish a winner:

• Olive Oil: The foundation of any good sauté, olive oil adds richness and helps cook the chicken to a golden perfection, while infusing a subtle, fruity flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, diced chicken breast brings heartiness to the dish. It’s a lean protein that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully, giving every bite a satisfying texture.
• Garlic: The soul of this recipe! Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a savory, aromatic warmth that is absolutely irresistible. It creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and vibrant.
• Dried Basil: This herb adds a hint of earthiness and a touch of sweetness. It pairs perfectly with the garlic, rounding out the sauce with its aromatic presence.
• Dried Oregano: A classic Italian herb, oregano contributes a slightly peppery, minty flavor that lifts the sauce and complements the richness of the cream and cheese.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A dash of red pepper flakes brings a gentle heat to the dish. It’s the perfect balance to the creaminess, giving it just enough spice without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together, salt enhances the natural taste of the chicken and helps balance the richness of the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a mild, warm spiciness that complements the salt and elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. It adds a smooth, rich texture that envelops the chicken and pasta, turning each bite into a velvety experience.
• Chicken Broth: The chicken broth adds depth and a savory undertone to the sauce. It also helps thin out the cream just enough to create the perfect consistency.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: The star ingredient that brings all the cheesy, salty goodness. Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it that signature sharp, nutty flavor that’s just too good to resist.
• Fettuccine Pasta: The wide, flat ribbons of fettuccine are the ideal vessel for the creamy sauce. Their surface area allows the sauce to cling perfectly, making each bite a perfect combination of pasta and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce, providing a lovely contrast and a touch of brightness.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, with each one playing its part in delivering that perfect bite.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Pair with a Crisp Green Salad

  The richness of this creamy pasta deserves something fresh and light on the side. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the creaminess and refresh your palate between bites. I love tossing in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and a handful of crunchy croutons for texture—perfect!

• Serve with Garlic Bread

  Let’s be real—garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick to any pasta dish. The crispy, buttery, garlicky goodness complements the creamy sauce so well, and it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate. Bonus points if you sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top before toasting it. Heaven!

• Add a Glass of White Wine

  If you’re in the mood to elevate the experience, why not pair this dish with a crisp, chilled glass of white wine? A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be fantastic. The bright, citrusy notes will balance the rich, cheesy sauce and bring a touch of elegance to your meal. Trust me, it’s the perfect match!

How to Store Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta, you’ll want to store it properly to keep all that rich flavor intact for the next meal. To start, make sure the pasta has cooled down a bit before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make your pasta soggy.

For short-term storage, simply transfer the pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. It’s best to eat it within that time frame for the freshest taste. When you’re ready to reheat, you can use the stove or microwave, but be sure to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce and keep it creamy.

If you know you won’t finish it in the next few days, freezing is an option, though the creaminess might slightly change when reheated. To freeze, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently on the stove, adding a touch of liquid to bring back its velvety texture.

No matter how you store it, the creamy goodness will still be there to bring a little comfort to your day!

Conclusion

And there you have it! This creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta is truly a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to your table without requiring hours in the kitchen. From the silky sauce to the juicy chicken and perfectly coated fettuccine, every bite feels like a little celebration. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds.

I hope you find as much joy in making (and eating!) this dish as I do. And hey, don’t forget to get a little creative with it! Whether you add a bit more garlic, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even some extra cheese, this recipe is all about making it your own.

Feel free to share any thoughts or feedback if you try it out—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! If you have any questions or need help along the way, I’m here to help. Happy cooking, and I hope this creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.

Print Recipe

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 600

Description

This creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta is a dream come true! Tender chicken nestled in a velvety, garlicky Parmesan sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich, savory, and comforting—your taste buds will never want to let go!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
9. While the sauce is simmering, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot of salted boiling water.
10. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
11. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to combine.
12. Toss the drained fettuccine pasta into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
13. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
14. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
15. Serve the creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Note

• For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• For a richer texture, add a tablespoon of butter when making the sauce.
• Top with extra Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper before serving for added depth.

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta recipe, garlic parmesan pasta, easy chicken pasta dish, chicken garlic parmesan recipe, creamy pasta with chicken