There’s something magical about a warm, creamy pasta on a busy night. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich, cheesy, and made with pantry staples, a dish I turn to again and again.
I first made it on a wild September evening right after school started. With two hungry kids and no time to spare, I grabbed chicken, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. In 30 minutes, dinner was done, and the kids were silent, happily eating. That’s a win!
In this recipe, I’ll show you exactly how to make it quick, creamy, and full of flavor, with simple steps, easy swaps, and a few mom-tested tips to make it perfect every time. So if you’re craving comfort without the chaos, keep reading… this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes with everyday ingredients.
- Family Favorite – Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes = more time to relax.
- Perfect for Any Night – Great for weeknights, date nights, or when guests pop in.
What You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Here’s what I use to make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s perfect for busy nights, date night, or a quick back-to-school dinner:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – sliced thin for faster cooking (or use thighs if you like)
- Salt & black pepper – for seasoning the chicken just right
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – or butter for a richer flavor
- 4 cloves fresh garlic – minced (you want that garlic to shine!)
- 1 cup heavy cream – for that creamy, dreamy texture
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – fresh is best for bold flavor
- 8 oz pasta of choice – fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work well
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – adds a subtle herby note
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little heat
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for a pop of color at the end
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes together fast, in one pan, and tastes like something you’d order at a cozy little bistro. Perfect for when you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and full of garlic goodness, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let’s make it:
1. Cook the pasta
Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring to a boil. Cook your favorite pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Save about ½ cup of the pasta water, it helps thicken the sauce later if needed.
I usually go with fettuccine or penne, but any pasta works!
2. Sauté the chicken
Season sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
This is my go-to for parmesan garlic chicken that’s juicy and full of flavor.
3. Make the creamy garlic sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add a little more oil or butter if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds (don’t let it burn!). Add the cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and toss
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the pan. Toss everything together until coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
5. Serve and garnish
Top with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
This is one of those quick and easy dinner recipes for two that also scales up beautifully for family nights or guests. It’s warm, rich, and guaranteed to earn a quiet table, trust me, that’s how I know it’s a hit!
Easy Variations for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
One thing I love about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or spicing it up for date night, here are some of my favorite twists:
- Switch up the protein – No chicken? No problem. Try shrimp or crispy bacon instead.
- Add veggies – Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even steamed broccoli. It turns this into a complete one-pan meal.
- Go spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like heat with your creamy pasta.
- Make it lighter – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap the pasta for zucchini noodles.
- Use leftover chicken – Rotisserie or meal-prepped chicken works great for this simple chicken breast recipe.
This creamy garlic chicken pasta is a lifesaver when I’m low on groceries but still want something hearty and delicious.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
When I make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it’s usually the star of the table, but a few simple sides can turn it into a full, comforting meal that feels a little extra special.
Here’s what I love serving it with:
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette – You’ll want something to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.
- A crisp green salad – Something light like arugula or romaine with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
- Roasted vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with the Parmesan and garlic.
- Chilled white wine or sparkling water – A glass of wine (or fancy bubbly water with lemon) makes it feel like a grown-up night, even if the kids are at the table!
This is one of those easy chicken pasta dinners that works just as well for a cozy night in as it does for date night or when company’s coming.
💡Tip from my kitchen: Serve everything family-style. Let everyone grab their pasta, pass the bread, and sprinkle on more cheese, it makes dinner feel warm and shared.
How to Store & Reheat Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (we rarely do in my house!), here’s how to keep your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta tasting just as creamy the next day:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to bring back the creaminess.
This one also makes a great lunch the next day, just warm and enjoy. Perfect for busy moms, meal preppers, or anyone needing easy dinner ideas for two that stretch into lunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Here are some tips I’ve learned (the hard way!) to help you get perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta every time:
- Overcooking the chicken – Thin chicken breast slices cook fast. Keep the heat medium and pull them off as soon as they’re golden and cooked through to keep them juicy.
- Burning the garlic – Garlic cooks in seconds. Add it after lowering the heat and stir constantly for just 30 seconds. Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish.
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan – It doesn’t melt as well and can make your sauce gritty. Freshly grated Parmesan makes your sauce silky and flavorful.
- Skipping the pasta water – That starchy water helps loosen and thicken the sauce just right. Save a splash before you drain your pasta!
- Not seasoning enough – Always taste and adjust! A little salt and black pepper bring out the creaminess and balance the garlic perfectly.
💡 Bonus tip from me: Keep the heat low when mixing in the cheese. If the sauce gets too hot, the cheese can clump instead of melt smoothly.
Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta warm and creamy, straight from the skillet. Sprinkle on some fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like comfort in every bite.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later, and if it made your night easier (and tastier), come browse more of my favorite cozy dinner recipes, perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, and everything in between.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta 2025
A rich, cheesy, and comforting pasta dinner made with tender chicken breasts, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for quick weeknight meals, date night, or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Slice and season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sauté chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté garlic in the same pan for 30 seconds, then add cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Add pasta and chicken back in. Toss to coat, adding pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 620kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 34g53%
- Saturated Fat 17g85%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster version.
Add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to sneak in some veggies.
Want it lighter? Sub half-and-half for the heavy cream.
