There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm bowl of pasta after a long day, especially when it’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hits all the right notes—tender bites of seared chicken, a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that soaks up every delicious drop.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing for a cozy night in, or simply craving comfort food done right, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and ease. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for a date night but comes together quickly enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
Inspired by classic Italian-American flavors, this creamy pasta is a delicious fusion of simplicity and indulgence. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s become a go-to favorite for pasta lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one has all the makings of an instant classic.
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One-pan meal: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup after dinner.
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Creamy and comforting: The Parmesan garlic sauce is velvety and indulgent without being heavy.
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Customizable: Add veggies, swap out pasta types, or make it spicy.
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Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
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Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for weeknights when time is tight.
From picky eaters to pasta purists, everyone will find something to love about this creamy, cheesy classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry staples and simple fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1–2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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4–5 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
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12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne (your choice)
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Salt (for pasta water)
Optional Add-Ins:
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Baby spinach
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Mushrooms
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Sun-dried tomatoes
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Broccoli florets
Equipment You’ll Need
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Medium saucepan (for pasta)
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Tongs or spatula
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Whisk
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Cutting board and knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
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Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
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Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary for a better sear.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
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In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
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Whisk in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
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Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
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Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
Optional: Stir in spinach or other veggies at this point and cook until just wilted.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
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Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
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Toss everything together until pasta is fully coated and chicken is heated through.
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If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and top with additional grated Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Serve immediately—this dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh!
Tips for Success
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Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well.
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Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a thermometer to avoid dry meat.
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Save pasta water: It’s full of starch and helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
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Cut against the grain: When slicing the chicken, this ensures it stays tender.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Make it your own with these tasty twists:
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Protein Swaps: Try shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
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Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Low-carb option: Serve over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
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Add greens: Spinach, kale, or arugula add color and nutrition.
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Make it mushroomy: Add sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, earthy flavor.
How to Make it Lighter
Want a lighter version of this rich dish?
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Use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
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Reduce the cheese slightly or use part-skim mozzarella.
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Load up on vegetables and cut back on pasta.
Storage & Reheating
This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep.
Storage:
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating:
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Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
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Avoid microwaving too long, as the cream sauce may separate.
Freezing:
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Not recommended, as creamy sauces tend to separate after freezing and thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these delicious pairings:
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Garlic bread or breadsticks
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Crisp Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini
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Chilled white wine (try a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works well. Just heat it in the sauce before combining with pasta.
What pasta shapes work best?
Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni all work well. Choose one with enough surface area to hold the sauce.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the roux with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or broccoli to bulk it up and add flavor.
