If you are craving a dish that is comfort in a bowl and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Combining tender, seasoned chicken with a luxuriously creamy garlic and parmesan sauce, all tossed around perfectly cooked pasta, this dish offers a harmonious blend of rich textures and inviting aromas that feel like a warm hug on any day. With simple ingredients coming together in just about 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that impresses without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a key role, from the rich parmesan that delivers velvety depth, to the fresh garlic which awakens your taste buds. The combination of herbs, dairy, and chicken makes this dish both flavorful and satisfying without overwhelming complexity.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing chicken, adding a subtle fruity note.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that soaks up the seasoning beautifully and keeps the dish hearty.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the natural taste of the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth with an easy, quick hit of garlic flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A vibrant herb mix that adds earthy, aromatic layers.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Mincing these releases bright, pungent garlic aroma that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds richness and a subtle savory base to the sauce, boosting overall flavor.
- Milk: Lightens the creaminess just enough to keep the sauce smooth and not overly heavy.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli): Offers the ideal shape for catching the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a sharp, nutty punch of umami.
- Butter: Finishes the sauce with an extra layer of richness and a glossy finish.
- Optional garnishes (chopped parsley or red pepper flakes): These bring a splash of color and a hint of freshness or heat.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your cubed chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This step infuses the meat with savory flavor right from the start. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, then remove it from the pan and set aside. Getting a nice sear here builds a delicious base for the sauce to follow.
Step 2: Sauté the Fresh Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about one minute. The garlic will release an irresistible aroma as it softens, creating the foundation for the creamy sauce. Be careful not to brown it too much; you want bright, fragrant garlic without any bitterness.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Next, pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring the liquid mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to begin thickening. This rich blend sets the stage for the comforting, silky texture that’s signature to this recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add your chosen uncooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method lets the pasta absorb the flavors of the sauce while the sauce thickens perfectly around it. The result is pasta that’s tender but still has a nice bite, generously coated with creamy garlic parmesan goodness.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Once the pasta is nearly cooked, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, butter, and the cooked chicken pieces. This final mix melds everything into a unified, ultra-creamy dish. The parmesan melts perfectly here, infusing every forkful with savory richness and a slightly nutty finish. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and a hint of spice, then serve warm. Your kitchen will be filled with the kind of mouthwatering aroma that makes it impossible to wait for the first bite.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley adds a beautiful splash of green that enhances the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that balances the richness. If you like a subtle kick, red pepper flakes offer a gentle heat that cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, such as a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. For something heartier, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add vibrant color and textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls to highlight its comforting nature. You can also plate it over a bed of sautéed spinach or nestle it next to garlic breadsticks for a satisfying presentation that invites sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for quick reheating during busy days.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, do so with caution as the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This ensures the pasta stays creamy and smooth without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne, rotini, or fusilli work best to capture the sauce, you can substitute with other shapes like farfalle or bow tie pasta depending on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this dish reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the milk, heavy cream, butter, and parmesan cheese for plant-based alternatives such as coconut milk, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast. Though the flavor profile will shift, it still comes out delicious.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the pasta a minute longer uncovered so the sauce reduces more, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) just before finishing.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. It’s an easy way to keep the bright herbaceous notes that Italian seasoning offers.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe that hits all the right notes of comfort food – it’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy weeknight or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish promises joy in every bite. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a cherished staple in your home cooking repertoire.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory garlic, and a rich parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that delights with its creamy texture and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce and Pasta
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, to build the base flavor for the sauce.
- Combine Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has started to thicken nicely.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, butter, and the cooked chicken pieces. Continue mixing until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce and heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and/or red pepper flakes according to your preference. Serve the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes during cooking or as garnish.
- Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli.
