Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – A Comfort Food Classic You’ll Love

Craving something rich, creamy, and full of flavor? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food meal. It’s packed with tender seared chicken, coated in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce, and tossed with pasta that soaks up every drop of savory goodness.

This recipe comes together in about 30–40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special weekend meals. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that pairs beautifully with salad, bread, or roasted veggies. Plus, it reheats well, so it’s great for leftovers and meal prep.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this one’s sure to become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick & easy — Ready in under 40 minutes
✅ Family-friendly — Kids and adults both love it
✅ Restaurant-quality flavor at home
✅ Customizable — Add veggies, spice, or swap the pasta
✅ Great for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, garlicky pasta from scratch:

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

For the Sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
1 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta

8 to 12 ounces of pasta (penne, fettuccine, linguine, rotini, etc.)
Salted water for boiling
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional, to loosen sauce)

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra parmesan for serving
Lemon zest for brightness

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-style pasta dish right in your own kitchen:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it — those bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

If using flour for a thicker sauce, sprinkle it in and whisk to form a roux. Cook for another 30 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly, then add the cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–4 minutes.

Add in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Let everything heat through for another 1–2 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a touch of lemon zest if desired.

Tips for Success

✅ Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture.
✅ Don’t overcook the chicken – Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
✅ Cook pasta al dente – It will finish cooking slightly when tossed in the sauce.
✅ Reserve pasta water – It’s full of starch and can help loosen the sauce without watering it down.
✅ Add garlic carefully – Sauté just until fragrant to avoid burning it, which can make the sauce bitter.

Recipe Variations

This dish is delicious as-is, but it’s also super flexible. Try these fun variations:

Add Veggies

Spinach – Stir in at the end until wilted
Broccoli – Steam or roast and add with the pasta
Mushrooms – Sauté with garlic for a deeper umami flavor
Peas or asparagus – For color and sweetness

Change the Protein

Shrimp – Cooks quickly and pairs well with creamy sauces
Turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken – Great for using up leftovers
Tofu or chickpeas – For a vegetarian option

Make it Spicy

Add extra red pepper flakes
Stir in a spoonful of chili paste or hot sauce

Lighten It Up

Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream
Use olive oil instead of butter
Add extra vegetables and reduce the pasta

Serving Suggestions

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is rich and hearty, so a light side pairs perfectly. Here are a few ideas:

Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the sauce
Green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
Sauteed spinach or kale with lemon and olive oil
Steamed broccoli for a healthy, simple side

Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta dish is great for meal prep or prepping ahead of a busy week.

To Prep Ahead

Cook and slice the chicken ahead of time
Grate the cheese and store in a container
Mince the garlic and portion the seasonings
Store the components separately in the fridge and assemble before serving

To Reheat

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat
Add a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce
You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Sauce may thicken when cold; reheat with a splash of liquid.

Freezer

You can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly.
Pasta with cream sauce doesn’t always freeze well; freezing the components separately gives the best result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

You can, but fresh-grated melts better and gives a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine also work if you prefer long noodles.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, you can use milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. A roux (with flour and butter) helps thicken lighter dairy options.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid boiling the cream and cook it gently over medium heat. Add cheese gradually and stir constantly.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend if using a roux. Also, make sure your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

Nutrition Info (Estimates per serving)

Based on 4 servings using heavy cream and 10 oz pasta

Calories: 650–750
Protein: 35–40g
Carbohydrates: 45–55g
Fat: 35–40g
Fiber: 2–4g
Sugar: 3–5g

Lighten it up with low-fat milk, less cheese, or adding veggies

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a recipe that checks every box — it’s rich, flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just want something cozy and satisfying, this pasta dish delivers every single time.

With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can bring restaurant-level comfort food to your kitchen with ease. Keep it classic or make it your own with add-ins and tweaks — once you’ve made it, you’ll be coming back to it again and again.