If you are searching for a truly comforting yet elegant dinner, this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe will completely steal your heart. Imagine tender chicken pieces seared to perfection, swimming in a dreamy, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, all curled around perfectly cooked fettuccine. This dish is a beautiful harmony of rich flavors and luscious textures that come together in less than 40 minutes, making it your new go-to meal for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating that luxurious texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless: Perfectly bite-sized for even cooking and easy bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and prevents sticking when cooking chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more as needed): Brings silky creaminess and a rich mouthfeel to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star aroma and flavor that infuses every bite with warmth.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Creates the base for the velvety sauce that clings lovingly to the pasta.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp, and savory punch essential to this dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the dish.
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta: Classic pasta choice that holds up beautifully in creamy sauces.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh green note to brighten the presentation and taste.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet set to medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the skillet. Sear the chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden crust and is cooked through—this locks in juicy flavor and creates a beautiful texture. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside; the pan will have flavorful browned bits perfect for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until you can smell its fantastic aroma—just be careful not to let it burn. This step infuses the butter with garlic goodness that will be the signature of your sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze and lift up those tasty browned bits. Let the cream simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes; this allows it to thicken slightly while marrying all those intense flavors together into a luscious base.
Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese
Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep whisking constantly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns smooth and velvety. If the sauce feels too thick, simply add a splash of cream or some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency, giving you that perfectly creamy texture that clings to every strand of pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, cook your fettuccine in salted boiling water until it’s al dente—cooked just right to hold texture. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining; this salty starchy water is a secret ingredient to adjust and loosen the sauce as needed.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken With Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken get beautifully coated in that rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Add the reserved pasta water gradually if you want to loosen things up, crafting a silky finish that feels indulgent but balanced.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side, so everyone can adjust cheesiness to their liking. This last touch makes the dish feel thoughtful and complete.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a lovely herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Additional freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper on top finish the dish off perfectly and allow each diner to customize each bite.
Side Dishes
This luxurious pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides like a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides provide texture variety and a fresh, vibrant counterbalance to the creamy main.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in a shallow bowl with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few more sprigs of fresh parsley. For an elegant touch, add a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts or cracked red pepper flakes. A rustic wooden serving board with a basket of warm crusty bread completes the cozy, inviting vibe that makes everyone feel instantly at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. Before serving again, give it a quick stir to re-incorporate the sauce, which may thicken when chilled.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces may separate after thawing. If you want to freeze it, place portions in a freezer-safe container and use within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pasta gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture. Alternatively, microwave with a small drizzle of cream, stirring occasionally to avoid hotspots. This helps revive the sauce and keep the chicken juicy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and excellent for holding creamy sauces, penne, linguine, or even rigatoni would work wonderfully here. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to lighten up the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a tablespoon of flour to thicken, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and silky. Using skinless chicken breasts keeps the protein lean as well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce still shines beautifully without meat.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese?
Pre-grated Parmesan or Romano cheese can be used in a pinch, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers a fresher flavor. Avoid powdered cheese for best results.
How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Consider adding a splash of white wine during the cream simmer step or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for some heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also elevate the flavor straight from your garden.
Final Thoughts
You are going to adore making and sharing this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe with your loved ones. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in pasta form and strikes the perfect balance between rich comfort and sophisticated taste. So put on your apron, and let this recipe bring a little extra joy and deliciousness to your kitchen!
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Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces seared to perfection, tossed in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce and served over perfectly cooked al dente fettuccine. Ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe balances savory flavors with a smooth, velvety texture and a hint of fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more as needed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to deglaze the pan. Let the cream simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, adjust by adding a splash of heavy cream or some reserved pasta water.
- Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- You can swap fettuccine for other pasta types like linguine or penne.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
