If you are craving a dish that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl, then the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious pasta combines tender chicken pieces, rich garlic-infused cream sauce, and nutty Parmesan cheese to create a dish bursting with flavor and velvety texture. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you want to impress loved ones with minimal fuss. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something special to this dish, from the succulent chicken to the rich cream and flavorful Parmesan that blend together beautifully.
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides juicy protein and the perfect canvas for seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more as needed): Adds richness and helps build the creamy sauce base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a slight kick.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that coats every strand of pasta.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers sharpness and umami richness to elevate the cream sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs for enhanced flavor layers.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds slight heat and complexity.
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta: Broad noodles that carry the sauce beautifully with every bite.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and subtle brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them in the skillet until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. This step locks in juices and flavors, producing tender, flavorful chicken that will be the star in your creamy sauce. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant. This step builds a fragrant base that permeates the entire sauce, making garlic lovers swoon.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, scraping the bottom gently to lift any delicious browned bits left from cooking the chicken. Let this simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the cream slightly thickens, forming the foundation of your velvety sauce.
Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese
Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream. This is where the sauce truly transforms—becoming rich, cheesy, and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of extra cream or reserved pasta water will bring it to just the right consistency.
Step 5: Cook the Fettuccine
While the sauce simmers, cook the fettuccine in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Make sure to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy water will help loosen the sauce later.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked fettuccine and the seared chicken back into the creamy skillet sauce. Toss everything together gently, allowing each strand of pasta and chunk of chicken to be enveloped in the luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce gets thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to get the perfect silkiness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and an herbal touch. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on the side, so everyone can indulge their cheesy cravings on demand.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens up the look but also adds a mild, fresh note that balances the rich creaminess beautifully. Feel free to add cracked black pepper or a dusting of Parmesan for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The fresh, crunchy textures provide a lovely contrast to the creamy pasta, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving the pasta in individual deep bowls topped with a Parmesan crisp or garlic breadsticks on the side to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Alternatively, plating with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon zest can add a surprising twist that awakens the flavors even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for an easy and satisfying next-day meal that reheats well.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Just transfer into a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving without liquid to prevent the sauce from breaking or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine works perfectly, penne, linguine, or even fusilli will all hold the sauce beautifully, giving you flexibility based on your preferences.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken if you want a lighter sauce, but keep in mind the texture will be less rich and creamy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use plant-based heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives, and substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan butter. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cutting into a piece to check there’s no pink inside is also a good visual guide.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then just cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. This helps save time on busy days while keeping the dish fresh and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it’s deceptively simple yet indulgently satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself, the combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is unbeatable. I promise once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to comfort food that never disappoints. Give it a whirl and get ready to fall in love with every silky, garlicky bite!
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Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, combined with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, and tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s an ideal meal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion, bursting with Italian-inspired flavors and creamy goodness.
Ingredients
Protein and Fats
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more as needed)
Flavorings and Dairy
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream while scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and lift any flavorful browned bits. Let the cream simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, adjust the consistency with a splash of additional cream or reserved pasta water.
- Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the fettuccine pasta in salted boiling water until al dente following package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine and the seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy chicken pasta with freshly chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- To prevent the garlic from burning, sauté it over medium heat and watch closely.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese ensures a smoother sauce compared to pre-grated varieties.
- If you want a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a cream alternative.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency and helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- This recipe can be made with chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs tend to stay juicier.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic for a slight kick.
