If you are searching for a dish that combines comfort and elegance in every bite, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an absolute winner. It brings together tender chicken cubes, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce bursting with fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavors that feels indulgent yet effortlessly satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this creamy masterpiece will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making a memorable dinner that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite Italian trattoria. Each element plays its part, from the juicy chicken to the creamy sauce and that sprinkle of parsley that adds a fresh pop of color and brightness.

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes): Tender, juicy chicken is the star protein that soaks up all the flavor.
1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) (or penne/rotini): These fun shapes hold the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is coated in creamy goodness.
3 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to both the sauce and chicken.
4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The heart of the velvety sauce that wraps around every piece of pasta and chicken.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Used for deglazing the pan, it adds savory notes and helps perfect the sauce’s consistency.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully, delivering rich, nutty flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided use): A fragrant blend of herbs that seasons the chicken and sauce perfectly.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat to awaken the flavors if you’re feeling adventurous.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the entire dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Sear the Chicken

Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente bite—firm yet tender. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining; it’s pure gold for adjusting your sauce later. Meanwhile, dry the chicken cubes and season them with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate to rest while you work on the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Garlic-Parmesan Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and the optional red pepper flakes, cooking just long enough—about 30 to 60 seconds—to release that incredible garlic fragrance. Now, deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom; they add layers of savory depth. Stir in the heavy cream and the rest of your Italian seasoning, letting the mixture gently simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually until you get a smooth, creamy sauce that will cling to every bit of pasta and chicken.

Step 3: Toss and Serve Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Return the cooked chicken along with any juices back into the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat in that luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency—it helps the sauce become silky and cling evenly. Taste, then adjust the salt and pepper as needed to make the flavors shine. Finally, top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Time to dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten the dish with vibrant green and a fresh herbaceous note. You can also add a dash of extra Parmesan cheese or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper on top for an extra flavor boost right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and makes the meal feel extra comforting and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins and garnish with a sprig of parsley or basil leaf to wow your guests. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little high-quality olive oil over the top or add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra layer of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it with some of the sauce to keep the pasta moist and flavorful.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely and portion out servings with plenty of sauce to prevent drying out.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to maintain that creamy texture and prevent the cheese from clumping.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great for this recipe, you can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream. To thicken, you might need to add a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and double the mushrooms or add other hearty vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You could also use plant-based chicken alternatives to keep the creamy and savory experience intact.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

To keep your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta sauce smooth, be sure to add the cheese gradually on low heat and avoid boiling once the cheese is added. Stir continuously to encourage a velvety texture.

What pasta types work best for this recipe?

Fusilli, penne, or rotini all work wonderfully because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, you can use your favorite pasta shape — just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Once you get a taste of that luscious, garlicky sauce draped over tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, you’ll want to make it again and again. Go ahead, give this recipe a try for your next meal, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!