If you have been searching for a comforting, delectable dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with its rich, garlicky sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all mingling in a creamy, cheesy delight. Every forkful bursts with flavor, promising a satisfying dinner that’s both easy to whip up and impressive to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this irresistible dish. Each item plays a crucial role: from the juicy chicken breasts adding protein and texture, to the fresh garlic that gives it that aromatic punch, and the parmesan cheese that wraps everything in a luscious creaminess.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection and adding subtle fruity richness.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Provides tender, juicy bites of protein throughout the pasta.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the dish’s natural flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a deeper, savory garlic undertone complementing the fresh garlic.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings herbal warmth and complexity.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: The star flavor, giving every bite a fresh, bold garlic punch.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, savory base for the sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Adds smoothness and light creaminess without heaviness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich, velvety, and indulgent.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli): Shapes that hold the sauce beautifully, delivering perfect texture.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating a sharp, cheesy depth.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce.
- Optional: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a little heat or freshness if desired.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season your cubed chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to build a flavorful crust. Cook the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step locks in juicy chicken pieces that will perfectly complement the creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, add the freshly minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute. This quick step releases a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma that’s the perfect foundation for the sauce. Be careful not to burn the garlic; just let it get soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream directly into the skillet. Stir gently to combine these liquids into a luscious sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while preparing the dish for the pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Next, add your uncooked pasta to the skillet, making sure it’s fully submerged in the creamy mixture. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. During this time, the pasta soaks up the rich flavors and softens perfectly while the sauce thickens into a creamy coating for every noodle.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese, Butter, and Chicken
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and butter. These ingredients melt into the sauce, elevating it to pure decadence. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything until the chicken is warm and coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Season and Adjust
Give your creation a taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as you like. This simple final step makes sure every flavor shines through perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with optional chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Serve this creamy, comforting dish warm and watch it disappear in no time.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes transform this pasta from delicious to irresistible. Bright, chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of earthiness, while red pepper flakes bring a subtle spicy contrast that complements the rich parmesan sauce beautifully. Both elevate the dish visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has enough richness to shine on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds a fresh, textural balance. Garlic bread or a simple baguette also work wonders to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pasta in handsome shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce coating every noodle. You can also layer it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly golden crust. For a family-style feast, place it in a large serving platter garnished with fresh herbs and allow everyone to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy creation, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and tasty next-day meal or lunch option.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, though the texture may vary slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne, rotini, or fusilli work wonderfully to hold the creamy sauce, feel free to use any pasta shape you love or have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can try substituting the milk, cream, and parmesan with dairy-free alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor in place of parmesan.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken can speed up the process. Just add it at the end of cooking to warm through fully without overcooking.
Is garlic powder necessary if I have fresh garlic?
The garlic powder adds depth of flavor besides the fresh garlic’s brightness. However, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler garlic profile.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish. You could also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for more heat.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with garlicky, cheesy goodness, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a wonderful way to elevate simple ingredients into a meal that feels special yet is easy enough for any night of the week. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to family favorites!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with garlic and Italian seasoning, tossed in a luscious creamy parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option that combines savory flavors and a velvety texture in one skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce and Pasta
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well to combine all the liquids and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Combine and finish: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, butter, and the cooked chicken pieces. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is creamy and everything is evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or any other seasoning as needed to your preference.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped parsley or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If pasta absorbs too much liquid before fully cooking, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep it creamy.
- The recipe works well with other pasta shapes like farfalle or fusilli if penne or rotini are unavailable.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking the sauce.
