If there’s one dinner that can save a hectic weeknight, it’s Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish is comfort in a bowl—tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every twist and turn of your noodles. It’s hearty enough for Sunday supper yet quick enough to whip up on a Tuesday when life is, well, a little too life-y.
As a busy mom of three, I know the pressure of trying to make a meal that’s both delicious and family-approved. This pasta checks all the boxes: quick, rich, and irresistible. (And yes, my picky middle child went back for seconds. That’s basically a medal of honor in my book.)
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Ready in just 30 minutes. Dinner before your favorite show starts.
- Rich and flavorful. Garlic and Parmesan team up for a sauce that feels restaurant-worthy.
- Family-friendly. Even the kids who “don’t like sauce” will sneak bites.
- Flexible. Works with fusilli, penne, or whatever pasta is hiding in your pantry.
What Does Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Taste Like?
Imagine the cozy embrace of Alfredo, but with a little more personality. The garlic makes the sauce fragrant and savory, while the Parmesan melts into a silky texture with a salty edge. Add juicy bites of golden chicken, and you’ve got a pasta that tastes indulgent without feeling too heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Before you even fire up the stove, let’s take a moment to talk about the cast of characters that make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta such a star at the dinner table. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses everyday, pantry-friendly ingredients—but when they come together, the flavors taste like something you’d get at a cozy Italian restaurant.
Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- Chicken breasts – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into one-inch cubes. They cook quickly, stay tender, and give you those perfect little bites in every forkful. If you’re more of a dark meat fan, chicken thighs will work too (and they bring extra juiciness). For another chicken favorite, try my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken.
- Pasta – Fusilli is my first choice here because all those twists and curves are just begging to hold onto that creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Penne or rotini will work beautifully too. Honestly, any short pasta with texture will shine in this dish. (And if you’re a pasta lover, you might also like my Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni).
- Butter – Don’t underestimate this humble ingredient. It adds a silky richness to the sauce and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection. Unsalted is best so you can control the seasoning.
- Fresh garlic – The heart and soul of this recipe. Mince 4–5 cloves finely so they melt into the sauce and give it that signature flavor. Garlic is what sets this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta apart from a plain Alfredo.
- Heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce dreamy and velvety. The fat content in cream keeps the sauce smooth and indulgent without breaking.
- Chicken broth – A little splash here does double duty: it loosens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the pasta and adds savory depth. Bonus: it helps deglaze the pan, pulling up all those golden brown bits left from the chicken.
- Parmesan cheese – The star of the show! Always grate your Parmesan fresh from the block. The pre-shredded kind has anti-caking agents that keep it from melting smoothly. That silky, restaurant-style texture comes from the real deal. If you love cheesy pasta recipes, check out my Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese.
- Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs that brings a warm, earthy background flavor. Half gets rubbed on the chicken, half goes into the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – Just a pinch if you like a little heat to balance the creaminess.
- Salt and black pepper – Seasoning makes or breaks a dish. Taste as you go so the flavors are perfectly balanced.
- Fresh parsley – Don’t skip the garnish! That final sprinkle of bright green adds freshness and makes the whole bowl look vibrant and inviting.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is designed to be simple enough for a busy weeknight, but flavorful enough to impress when you’re hosting. I’ll walk you through each step, with extra details and tips I’ve learned from countless pasta nights in my own kitchen.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it generously with salt—think of the ocean, not a light sprinkle. This is your first chance to flavor the pasta itself. Add in your fusilli (or penne/rotini if you prefer) and cook until al dente. That means the pasta should be tender but still have a little bite.
Before draining, be sure to reserve at least ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This trick is a lifesaver—it helps your creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce cling beautifully to the noodles later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Pasta lover tip: If you’re a fan of cheesy pasta, you might also enjoy my High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta for another family-favorite dinner option.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, pat your chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This step helps them brown instead of steam. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s sizzling, add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate, but don’t wipe the skillet clean. Those browned bits left behind are pure flavor gold.
Step 3: Start the Garlic Butter Base
Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if you’re using them). Stir constantly for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—burnt garlic turns bitter and can overpower the whole dish.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. This not only adds depth to the sauce but also ensures nothing goes to waste.
Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream along with the remaining Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, just until it starts to thicken slightly. Lower the heat to low, then gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
This is where the magic happens: the sauce becomes silky, rich, and irresistibly creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, you can always thin it out later with a splash of reserved pasta water.
Cheese tip: Fresh Parmesan is key here. If you loved this sauce, you’d also adore my Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes—another creamy comfort food with the same beloved flavor combo.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken (plus any juices that collected on the plate) back into the skillet. Toss in the drained pasta and stir gently to coat every piece. If the sauce feels a little heavy, add splashes of that reserved pasta water until it’s silky and clings perfectly to the noodles.
Taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes an extra pinch of salt or black pepper makes all the difference.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Step 8 (Optional but Highly Recommended): Extra Touches
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- For a more indulgent twist, substitute ¼ cup of the cream with dry white wine—just simmer it for a minute after deglazing.
- Pair with a side like my Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother—pre-shredded cheese can make sauces grainy.
- Save that pasta water! It’s like liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Try a splash of white wine in place of some cream for extra depth.
- Add veggies like spinach or broccoli to sneak in some greens.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—golden outside, juicy inside is the goal.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
- Freezer: Not ideal—cream sauces tend to separate when thawed. Best to enjoy fresh.
FAQs
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For extra richness, add a little more Parmesan.
What pasta shape works best?
Short, ridged pastas (fusilli, rotini, penne) are best at catching the sauce.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but cook the pasta fresh before serving.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring—or stressful. With just 30 minutes and simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Dinner!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a 30-minute comfort food classic. Juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce come together for a quick, indulgent dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided use)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
3. Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium and melt remaining 2 Tbsp butter in the skillet.
5. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
7. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
9. Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss gently to coat in sauce.
10. Add splashes of reserved pasta water if needed for a silky texture.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melting sauce.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Substitute 1/4 cup of the cream with dry white wine for extra depth—just simmer for 1 minute after deglazing.
This recipe serves 6 and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, creamy chicken pasta, 30 minute dinner
