The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

There’s something absolutely magical about the combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce that brings families together around the dinner table. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta has become my go-to recipe when I want to create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night, a busy weeknight dinner, or entertaining guests, this chicken pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this garlic parmesan chicken pasta so irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of savory garlic, nutty parmesan cheese, and succulent chicken breast, all brought together with a velvety cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The best part? You can have this impressive dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those moments when you want to serve something extraordinary without the stress.

I first discovered this chicken pasta recipe during a trip to a small Italian-American bistro, where the chef graciously shared some of his secrets with me. Since then, I’ve perfected the technique, adding my own touches that make this dish absolutely foolproof for home cooks of any skill level.

Recipe Information

Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Cost: Medium (approximately $12-15 for the entire dish)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Additional fresh parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges

Equipment Required

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander for draining pasta
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using block Parmesan)

Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Water

Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. This step is crucial for properly seasoned pasta that will complement our garlic parmesan chicken pasta perfectly.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the water heats, cut your chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Once your water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining – this starchy water will help bind our sauce beautifully. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Base

In the same skillet used for the chicken (don’t clean it – those browned bits add incredible flavor!), reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.

Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.

Step 6: Add the Parmesan

Remove the skillet from heat and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, adding it in small handfuls to prevent clumping. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta without being too thick or too thin.

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Chef’s Tips and Variations

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cut your chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Overcooked chicken becomes tough and rubbery, so remove it from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F internally.

Fresh vs. Pre-Grated Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese when possible. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting and result in a grainy sauce.

Pasta Water is Your Friend: The starchy pasta cooking water is essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. It helps bind the sauce to the pasta and prevents it from breaking.

Temperature Control: Keep your heat at medium or medium-low when making the cream sauce. High heat can cause the cream to curdle or the cheese to become stringy.

Delicious Variations:

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Vegetables: Add 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes of cooking.

Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and add an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth for a lighter but still creamy sauce.

Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.

Herb-Crusted Variation: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the chicken seasoning for an aromatic twist.

Different Pasta Shapes: While fettuccine is traditional, this chicken pasta recipe works beautifully with penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover garlic parmesan chicken pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Freezer Storage: While possible, cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. If you must freeze, do so for no more than 1 month and be prepared to whisk vigorously when reheating.

Wine and Beverage Pairing

This rich and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta pairs beautifully with several wine options:

White Wines: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate garlic flavors. The acidity in these wines helps cut through the richness of the cream and cheese.

Light Red Wines: A light Pinot Noir or Chianti can work wonderfully, especially if you’ve added red pepper flakes for heat.

Non-Alcoholic Options: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea with fresh herbs, or even a light beer can balance the richness of this chicken pasta recipe.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 720
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Side Dish Suggestions

This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but these sides can enhance your dining experience:

Fresh Salads: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce on your plate.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add color and nutritional balance to your meal.

Soup: A light minestrone or tomato basil soup makes for an elegant starter before this indulgent main course.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sauce Too Thick? Add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach desired consistency.

Sauce Too Thin? Simmer the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to reduce, or add a bit more grated Parmesan cheese.

Cheese Clumping? Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese, and add it gradually while whisking constantly.

Chicken Dry? Don’t overcook the chicken, and consider pounding the breasts to an even thickness before cutting for more uniform cooking.

Make-Ahead Tips

While this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is best served fresh, you can prep several components ahead of time:

• Chicken: Season and cut the chicken up to 24 hours in advance
• Garlic: Mince garlic and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
• Cheese: Grate Parmesan cheese and store in an airtight container
• Sauce Base: Make the cream sauce base (without chicken and pasta) and refrigerate for up to 2 days

Conclusion

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe represents everything I love about comfort food – it’s indulgent yet approachable, impressive yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and that luxurious garlic parmesan cream sauce creates a dish that satisfies on every level.

What sets this chicken pasta recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings to your taste, or even make it lighter by modifying the cream content. The key is in the technique – proper seasoning, careful temperature control, and the magic of that starchy pasta water.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Try different pasta shapes, experiment with herbs, or add your favorite vegetables. The foundation is solid, but there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Have you tried this garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Please leave a comment below sharing how it turned out, any modifications you made, or questions you might have. Your feedback helps me create even better recipes for our community.

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