Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3–4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred); 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved); Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish); Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, velvety sauce wrapped around tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. I love making this dish when I’m craving something cozy and indulgent. The garlic adds depth, the parmesan brings bold flavor, and the creaminess ties it all together for a meal that’s both elegant and easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple to prepare but tastes like something I’d order at a restaurant. The sauce is silky and cheesy without being too heavy, and the garlic gives it that crave-worthy flavor I can’t get enough of. Whether I’m cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, this pasta always hits the mark — satisfying, flavorful, and made with everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Olive oil or butter (for cooking the chicken)
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Directions

Cook the pasta: I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. I drain and set it aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I sauté them in olive oil or butter over medium heat until golden and cooked through, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same pan, I add a bit more butter or oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Add the cheese: I reduce the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If it’s too thick, I loosen it with a splash of pasta water.
Combine everything: I return the cooked chicken to the sauce and let it simmer for a minute or two. Then I toss in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Serve: I plate the pasta and sprinkle it with fresh herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor if I’m in the mood.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so the total time is approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. I’ve also made it with shrimp instead of chicken, or even gone vegetarian by skipping the meat and loading up on roasted vegetables. If I want a lighter version, I swap out some of the cream for milk or use half-and-half.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I stir it halfway through to keep the texture smooth.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, I’ve used rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken before — I just add it to the sauce to warm through before mixing in the pasta.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

I usually go with fettuccine or penne because they hold onto the sauce well, but honestly, any pasta shape works great.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve made it ahead and reheated it gently with a splash of liquid. Just know the sauce thickens as it sits, so I loosen it as needed.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If I want a thicker sauce, I let it simmer a few extra minutes before adding the cheese. I can also add a touch more Parmesan or reduce the broth slightly.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve used dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan-style cheese for a non-dairy version. It’s still creamy and flavorful with the garlic and broth.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is one of my go-to meals when I want something rich, flavorful, and easy. I love how everything comes together in one pan with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether I keep it classic or mix in some extras, this dish never fails to satisfy.