Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; Salt, for boiling; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Indulge in a delightful bowl of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, where tender chicken meets a luscious garlic cream sauce, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta.

Created by

Natalie Evans

Last updated on 2025-12-21T09:30:58.270Z

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a family favorite that brings comfort and flavor to the dinner table. It's quick to prepare and packed with rich flavors that everyone will love.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy garlic sauce that clings to every strand of pasta
Tender chicken pieces that add protein and heartiness
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

      

Tips for Perfect Pasta

To achieve the best results with your fettuccine, always start with a large pot of salted water. The salt enhances the pasta's flavor, making a significant difference in your dish. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t become mushy.

When cooking the pasta, aim for al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This texture holds up better when combined with the creamy sauce and prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft during the final mixing.

Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce's consistency if it becomes too thick, ensuring a creamy coating that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Choosing the Right Chicken

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer taste; just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

If you prefer a healthier option, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking. This not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the chicken juicy and tender throughout the preparation.

To ensure even cooking, slice the chicken into uniform pieces, about half an inch thick. This allows each piece to brown nicely and ensures they all finish cooking at the same time without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz fettuccine pasta
Salt, for boiling

For the Chicken and Sauce

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced chicken, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheat, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce's creaminess.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. However, note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pasta, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra cream to bring back the sauce's original consistency.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream to incorporate more nutrition and flavor into your meal.

For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or mixing in some cooked Italian sausage with the chicken. This will introduce a delightful heat and a new dimension of flavor to the dish.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. These alternatives provide a hearty texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer will work, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.