Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Comfort in Every Bite

There’s a certain kind of dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. For me, it’s pasta coated in a creamy sauce that clings to every bite, punctuated by tender chicken and a dusting of Parmesan that melts right into the warmth. That’s the magic of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta — rich, filling, and perfect for nights when you need something indulgent and satisfying.

This dish has become a weeknight lifesaver in my kitchen. It looks like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it comes together quickly with pantry staples: pasta, garlic, cream, and chicken. Even better, it’s flexible — you can swap in different pasta shapes, lighten it with half-and-half instead of cream, or load it up with veggies like broccoli or spinach.

The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder. Fewer dishes, maximum flavor, and a meal that will make even picky eaters ask for seconds.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Restaurant-quality, weeknight easy. Simple steps deliver big flavor.
• Creamy garlic sauce. Parmesan + cream create a silky, garlicky coating that clings to every bite.
• One pot = less cleanup. Cook the chicken, make the sauce, and toss the pasta all in one pan.
• Customizable. Works with any pasta shape and endless add-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Optional add-ins:

• 1 cup broccoli florets (steam or blanch before adding)
• 1 cup baby spinach (stir in at the end)
• Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce. In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any brown bits. Simmer 5 minutes.
4. Add the cheese. Stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Bring it all together. Add pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss until coated in sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes so flavors meld.
6. Garnish + serve. Sprinkle with parsley or basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Tips, Tricks & Variations

• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream, and reduce cheese slightly.
• Extra thick sauce: Simmer longer to reduce, or whisk in a little cornstarch slurry.
• Vegetable boost: Add broccoli, spinach, or peas for color and nutrition.
• Cheese swap: Try Asiago or Romano alongside Parmesan for a sharper bite.
• Make ahead: Sauce can be made a day early and reheated — just add a splash of broth.

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated melts better and makes the sauce smoother, but pre-grated works in a pinch.

What’s the best pasta shape?
Penne holds sauce well, but rotini or fettuccine also work nicely.

Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes — rotisserie chicken works great. Just stir it in at the end to avoid overcooking.

Does it reheat well?
Yes. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Serving Ideas

• A crisp Caesar salad
• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Roasted green beans or asparagus

Related Recipes You Might Like

• Baked Ziti with Ricotta
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole
• One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

Kitchen Tools We Love

Every cook has a few tools they reach for again and again — the ones that make cooking easier and a little more fun. Here are two we used (and loved) while making this recipe:

• Spring Chef Professional Cheese Grater — Perfect for grating fresh Parmesan so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• DOWAN Casserole Dish, 9×13 — A sturdy, reliable dish that goes from oven to table beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s rich, cheesy, garlicky, and endlessly comforting — the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this pasta is guaranteed to satisfy.