Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

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There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s loaded with juicy chicken and rich, garlicky parmesan flavor. I’ve made this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta more times than I can count—on lazy Sunday nights, for impromptu dinners with friends, or simply when I want to indulge in a cozy, satisfying meal. It never disappoints.

The silky, luscious sauce clings perfectly to the fettuccine noodles, while the pan-seared chicken brings in that golden, savory bite. What really sets it apart for me, though, is the garlic and parmesan combination—it hits all the right notes: bold, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, this dish is sure to be a repeat favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-quality but is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. The garlic-parmesan sauce is incredibly rich and flavorful, and it comes together with everyday ingredients. The chicken adds protein and substance, making it a complete meal in one bowl. Plus, the whole thing is ready in under an hour, making it a go-to for both busy evenings and special occasions.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my preferred choice—they cook quickly and stay juicy when pan-seared. You can also use boneless thighs if you like a slightly more tender and flavorful cut. The key is to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate. I like to season them simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian herbs before searing to golden perfection.

Options for Substitutions

You can definitely tweak this recipe to fit your preferences or pantry. Don’t have fettuccine? Try penne, linguine, or even spaghetti. For a lower-carb version, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash work well too. If you’re dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream (just note it’ll alter the flavor a bit). And for a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a hearty touch.

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Ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breasts – Tender and lean, they provide the hearty protein base for this dish.
• Fettuccine Pasta – Its wide, flat shape is perfect for holding onto the rich, creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a luxurious and silky texture that coats every bite.
• Parmesan Cheese – Brings salty, nutty depth to the sauce and helps it thicken naturally.
• Fresh Garlic – Infuses the entire dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Butter – Adds richness to the sauce and helps brown the garlic to perfection.
• Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken and sautéing, giving a golden crisp texture.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of every component.
• Italian Seasoning – A flavorful mix of herbs that complements the creamy and cheesy base.
• Fresh Parsley – Used as garnish for a pop of color and freshness at the end.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to use later if needed to thin the sauce.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

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Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

Pour in heavy cream, stir well, and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. Slowly add grated parmesan cheese while stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen it to your liking.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the sauce. Stir in the sliced chicken and let everything heat through for another 2–3 minutes.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and additional parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

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How Long to Prepare the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Prep Time: Prepping the ingredients takes about 15–20 minutes. This includes slicing the chicken, mincing garlic, grating parmesan, and setting up your cooking station. If you prep your ingredients ahead of time, you can cut this down to just 10 minutes.

Cook Time: Cooking takes another 20–25 minutes. Boiling the pasta and searing the chicken can happen simultaneously, and while the chicken rests, you can build the sauce. Overall, this dish is quick and efficient for how rich and flavorful it tastes.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Grate your own parmesan cheese—pre-shredded versions don’t melt as smoothly and may affect the texture of the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is ideal since it will continue to absorb sauce in the skillet.
• Slice the chicken evenly to ensure each piece cooks through at the same time.
• Stir the garlic constantly when sautéing to avoid burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
• Add pasta water gradually—it helps control the consistency of the sauce.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking chicken: It dries out quickly, so remove it once it’s just done and let it rest before slicing.
• Using low-fat cream: It may curdle or produce a thinner sauce; stick to heavy cream for the best result.
• Adding cheese all at once: Stir in the parmesan slowly to prevent clumping.
• Skipping pasta water: This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
• Burning the garlic: Always cook on medium or low heat and keep it moving in the pan.

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What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Buttery, crisp garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adds a nice crunch contrast.

2. Caesar Salad

The fresh, tangy flavors of Caesar salad balance the richness of the creamy pasta.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Adds a healthy and slightly charred veggie element that pairs well with the garlic notes.

4. White Wine

A chilled glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay enhances the creamy flavors.

5. Steamed Asparagus

Light and elegant, asparagus offers a pop of green freshness to round out the plate.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: While you can freeze it, the cream sauce may change texture slightly. If freezing, store in individual portions and thaw in the fridge before reheating. Stir well when reheated.

Make-ahead tip: You can cook the chicken in advance and refrigerate it. Then, when you’re ready, just boil pasta and make the sauce fresh.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving – assuming 4 servings)

• Calories: ~680 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for whole wheat pasta. You can also reduce the amount of cheese slightly.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but make sure to warm it thoroughly and season it well so it doesn’t get lost in the creamy sauce.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. But you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas work beautifully with the garlic parmesan flavor.

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Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is one of those recipes that delivers big comfort without the fuss. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or a weekend indulgence, it brings restaurant-worthy flavor right to your kitchen. With its tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfect pasta, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

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