If you’re craving a cozy, restaurant-style dinner that’s simple enough for weeknights, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta checks every box. Tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce come together in one satisfying dish the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This recipe is comfort food done right. It’s creamy without being overwhelming, packed with savory garlic flavor, and finished with nutty Parmesan cheese that melts beautifully into the sauce. Best of all, it’s made with simple pantry staples and comes together in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or serving guests, this pasta feels special without extra effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts, seasoned and pan-seared until golden
- Penne pasta, cooked al dente
- Garlic cloves, freshly minced
- Heavy cream for a rich, silky sauce
- Grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
- Butter and olive oil for depth of flavor
- Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning
These ingredients combine to create a smooth, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently, and bring to a low simmer.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan
Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss until well coated. Slice the rested chicken and place it on top. Finish with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper before serving.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made with tender pan-seared chicken, al dente penne, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts
12 oz penne pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Remove and let rest.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Pour in heavy cream and whisk gently to combine. Once simmering, add grated Parmesan and whisk until smooth and creamy.
6. Add cooked pasta into the sauce and toss until well coated.
7. Slice rested chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan and cracked pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Keep heat low after adding cheese to prevent splitting.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Store leftovers airtight in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 150
Tips & Variations
- Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Extra veggies: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added color and nutrition.
- Different pasta: Fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta all work well.
- Juicier chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative.
- Sauce consistency: Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this creamy chicken pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make perfect sides.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~620 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbs | 48g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to make — perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and delicious. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a family favorite.