Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is an easy comfort-food dinner made with tender seasoned chicken, pasta, and a rich homemade Parmesan sauce. It comes together in one skillet after cooking the pasta and is perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz (340 g) penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. - Cook the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the garlic sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. - Add the cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the cream gently simmer for about 2–3 minutes. - Add Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth.If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. - Finish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle heat after adding the Parmesan to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Don’t discard the pasta water—it helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little extra garlic.
- Serve immediately because the sauce naturally thickens as it cools.
