The Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Ever

Whipping up a delightful garlic parmesan chicken pasta satisfies those comfort food cravings instantly.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of combining rich, velvety sauce with tender chicken.

Herbs and cheese create an irresistible blend that makes every bite memorable.

Fresh ingredients elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Aromas of garlic and parmesan will drift through your kitchen, promising a mouthwatering meal.

Cooking becomes an adventure when simple ingredients transform into something spectacular.

You’ll want to savor each forkful of this creamy, flavor-packed creation.

Why Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Is So Rich And Cozy

• Savor Versatile Cooking Technique: This recipe showcases professional-level cooking methods by combining stovetop searing and oven finishing, creating perfectly cooked chicken with incredible flavor depth.
• Craft Customizable Comfort Meal: Home cooks can easily adapt the dish by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or incorporating different pasta types to match personal taste preferences.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: Basic kitchen staples like chicken, pasta, and cream transform into a restaurant-quality meal that feels sophisticated yet approachable for all skill levels.
• Deliver Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: The creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken make this recipe a guaranteed hit for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends.

What Goes Into Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the main star of this delicious dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Dried Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a subtle Mediterranean-inspired taste to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle kick of heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a pop of color.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden, crispy exterior.
• Butter: Helps create a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety texture for the sauce.

• Pasta: The perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious parmesan sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

Cooking Guide For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a large baking dish ready for action.

Step 2: Season Chicken Perfectly

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried basil

Ensure every inch gets a delicious coating.

Step 3: Create Golden Chicken Exterior

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts until they develop a mouthwatering golden-brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 4: Finish Chicken in Oven

Transfer partially cooked chicken to the baking dish. Slide into the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches a safe 165°F internally.

Step 5: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil pasta in salted water following package instructions. Drain and set aside, keeping it warm and ready.

Step 6: Build Flavor Base

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk continuously to create a silky smooth sauce base.

Step 8: Add Spicy Kick

Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce, introducing a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.

Step 9: Develop Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Gradually add parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely. Watch the sauce transform into a thick, luxurious coating.

Step 10: Slice Cooked Chicken

Remove chicken from oven and slice into tempting strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 11: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently toss cooked pasta with the creamy parmesan sauce, ensuring every strand gets covered.

Step 12: Plate and Garnish

Arrange sliced chicken on top of the sauced pasta. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 13: Serve Immediately

Bring to the table right away while the sauce remains warm and the chicken stays tender. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Helpful Tips For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Sear for Flavor Boost: Brown chicken thoroughly in a hot skillet to lock in rich, caramelized flavors and create a delicious golden exterior.
• Check Temperature Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
• Sauce Smoothing Technique: Whisk continuously while adding cream and cheese to prevent lumps and create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
• Pasta Coating Pro Tip: Toss pasta in sauce gently but completely, allowing each strand to absorb the creamy parmesan mixture for maximum flavor distribution.
• Layer Garnish Strategically: Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add bright color, fresh aroma, and a burst of herbal freshness to the dish.

Fun Add-Ons For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the dish's creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Variation: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Adaptation: Replace dried basil with Cajun seasoning blend, add smoked paprika, and increase red pepper flakes for a bolder, more intense flavor experience that brings southern-style heat to the dish.

Top Sides With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked California Chardonnay that complements the creamy parmesan sauce with its buttery notes and balanced acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Create Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the delicious parmesan cream sauce, adding texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Select Fresh Side Salad: Craft a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the rich chicken and creamy pasta, balancing the meal's heavy flavors with bright, fresh elements.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Storage Tips

• Store leftover chicken and pasta in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy pasta.
• Allow dish to cool completely at room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
• Keep leftovers in sealed containers for 3-4 days, placing them in the coldest part of the refrigerator for maximum freshness and food safety.
• Warm chicken and pasta separately in microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent dryness, heating until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Why sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in moisture, creates a delicious golden crust, and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken by caramelizing its exterior, ensuring a more flavorful and juicy result.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works well with traditional pasta, you can substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or penne based on your preference without compromising the dish’s creamy texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers comfort in a single skillet, blending rich Italian flavors with classic home-style cooking. Savory chicken nestles among silky noodles, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 12 oz pasta
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish for the chicken preparation.
2. Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and dried basil, ensuring even coating on all sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy exterior develops.
4. Transfer partially cooked chicken to the prepared baking dish and finish cooking in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. While chicken bakes, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
6. In the same skillet used for searing chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
7. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce base.
8. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce, allowing them to infuse subtle heat and complexity.
9. Gradually incorporate parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes thick and creamy.
10. Remove chicken from oven and slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
11. Combine cooked pasta with the creamy parmesan sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage.
12. Arrange sliced chicken atop the sauced pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
13. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and chicken is tender.

Notes

• Optimize chicken seasoning by patting the meat dry before adding spices to enhance crispy exterior and better flavor absorption.
• Consider using bone-in chicken thighs for more moisture and richer taste if preferring alternative protein option.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to accommodate different heat preferences.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or alternative grain-based pasta for dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg