Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

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Comfort food at its finest, Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta brings together tender pan-seared chicken with rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce over a bed of al dente fettuccine. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet comes together easily, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re entertaining guests.

The creaminess of the sauce, balanced by the sharpness of Parmesan and the warmth of garlic, wraps each bite in a cozy, savory hug. Paired with golden chicken pieces and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this pasta promises to satisfy cravings and become a repeat favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, rich, and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen. Plus, it uses pantry staples like cream, garlic, and Parmesan to build layers of flavor in just one pan. You’ll love how quickly it comes together without sacrificing depth or comfort.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Fettuccine is the top choice for this recipe because its wide, flat shape clings beautifully to the creamy sauce. However, linguine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle also work well if that’s what you have on hand.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building rich flavor and creamy texture that makes this pasta irresistible:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces) – The star protein, juicy and savory when pan-seared.
• Salt and pepper – Enhances the overall taste.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced) – Adds aromatic, punchy depth to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps saute the garlic.
• 2 cups heavy cream – Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for nutty, cheesy flavor.
• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta – Holds the sauce and ties the dish together.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Brightens the final dish and adds freshness.

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How To Make the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on each side for 4–5 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, then add in the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This recipe serves 4 generous portions. It’s best served immediately while the sauce is fresh and silky. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm over low heat on the stovetop.

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What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Buttery, crisp garlic bread is the perfect side for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crunchy Caesar salad adds freshness and a classic pairing to this rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli brings a lightly charred flavor and balances the creamy sauce.

Lemon Green Beans

Steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest and olive oil bring brightness.

Caprese Salad

Sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with balsamic glaze complement the pasta beautifully.

Grilled Asparagus

Adds smoky notes and a crisp bite.

Sauteed Spinach

Garlic-sauteed spinach is fast and flavorful.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamier result, use half-and-half or add a bit of cream cheese to thicken.

Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just skip the cooking step and toss shredded rotisserie chicken into the finished sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not ideal. Cream sauces tend to separate when frozen and reheated. Best to enjoy it within a few days.

Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan and cream are certified GF to make this recipe gluten-free.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner ideas board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you try a different pasta shape or add veggies? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal – savory, creamy, and satisfying. It comes together easily with a few kitchen staples and delivers big flavor in every bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or feeding a family, this pasta will earn its place in your recipe rotation. For more comforting pasta and dinner inspiration, explore dishes like Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta, and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Craving even more recipes like this? Head over to my Pinterest page for a daily dose of food inspiration from Meals We Share: Meals We Share

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