Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced; 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne); 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Created on November 3rd, 2025 at 03:32 pm

A comforting dish

….that promises rich flavors with every bite.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful meal that combines tender chicken and al dente pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and savory depth. As you stir, the warmth of the sauce creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it an irresistible option for any weeknight dinner.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the wholesome ingredients that come together in harmony. The creamy sauce clings smoothly to each piece of pasta, while the garlic adds just the right touch of bite and warmth. Whether served at the dinner table or packed for lunch, this dish offers both comfort and practicality, leaving you feeling satisfied.

close-up of creamy penne pasta with grilled chicken, spinach, and parmesan in a white bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe excels due to its tender ingredients and multilayered flavors. The chicken is seared to a perfect golden-brown, lending a delightful contrast to the silky sauce. The aroma of fresh garlic blends beautifully with the nutty notes of Parmesan, creating a dish that captivates the senses. The simplicity of the preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all levels. Additionally, the flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers a highly sought-after treat. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated, each bite delivers the warmth of home-cooked goodness.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Main:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Kitchen Tools

Creating this dish requires minimal preparation tools, making it an approachable recipe for any home cook. Essential items will ensure efficiency while cooking and ease during cleanup.

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet (for the chicken and sauce)
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The aroma will be intense and fragrant.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer while thickening slightly, about 2 minutes.
Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. If desired, add the red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. The sauce should be creamy and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, incorporate some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley, giving the dish a burst of color and freshness. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve Warm: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, garnishing with additional parsley or grated cheese, if desired.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Experiment with vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and texture.
Cook the pasta just under al dente for a better texture when combined with the sauce.
The dish can be made ahead of time; just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water.

Creamy Comfort, Made Simple

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary home-cooked meal. With its balanced flavors and creamy texture, this dish is comforting yet uncomplicated. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests on a casual night. This recipe beautifully underscores the joy of cooking with warmth and ease.

This dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.

Nutrition Table

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	30 g
Fat	25 g
Carbohydrates	54 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	700 mg

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation.

creamy pasta with sautéed chicken, fresh spinach, and parmesan in a white bowl

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Sophia B.

A comforting dish that delivers rich flavors with each bite, combining tender chicken and al dente pasta in a creamy garlic-infused sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Searing the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Preparing the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer while thickening slightly, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. If desired, add the red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, incorporate some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
Stir in the chopped parsley, giving the dish a burst of color and freshness. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serving

Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, garnishing with additional parsley or grated cheese, if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Experiment with vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for additional nutrition. Cook the pasta just under al dente for better texture when combined with the sauce. The dish can be made ahead; just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water.

Keyword Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe, Pasta Recipe