Here’s a rich and comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe — cheesy, garlicky, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
🍝 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in cream and simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning; mix until smooth.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
4️⃣ Combine
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
5️⃣ Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
✨ Tips
- Extra flavor: Sear chicken with a bit of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.
- Veggie boost: Add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce cheese slightly.
If you want, I can also give a one-pan version where the chicken, pasta, and sauce cook together for less cleanup and super creamy results.
Do you want me to do that?
