Craving a rich, creamy, and ultra-satisfying pasta dish that comes together quickly and easily? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your perfect answer. Made with simple pantry ingredients, juicy grilled chicken, and a velvety garlic-parmesan sauce, it’s a cozy weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy — and it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish combines everything I adore: tender pasta, golden grilled chicken, and a smooth, garlicky cream sauce finished with fresh herbs. It’s indulgent without being heavy and totally customizable based on what you’ve got in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder if you use pre-cooked pasta — perfect for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Substitutions and Notes
- Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or linguine all work beautifully.
- Cream: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken or even shrimp are great swaps.
- Add-Ins: Try sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or peas for an extra boost.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. - Build the Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. Top with sliced grilled chicken and let everything warm through. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy magic!
Tips for Success
- Don’t boil the cream — a gentle simmer keeps the sauce smooth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Let the pasta sit in the sauce for a minute or two before serving so it absorbs more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple garlic butter baguette.
- Pair with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon.
- Want something more indulgent? Add a drizzle of truffle oil just before serving.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended — the cream sauce may separate.
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- These chicken enchiladas are my go-to for cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners
- This Cajun chicken sausage gumbo is my favorite bowl of southern comfort
- These sheet pan quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast
- This Dorito casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- This Instant Pot lasagna is my favorite way to make comfort food fast
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of comfort food you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, satisfying, and completely family-approved. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or you’re trying to impress someone special, this recipe checks every box.
Tried it? Let me know how it turned out in the comments — or tag me in your photo on social! 📸
And don’t forget to follow for more cozy recipes coming your way. ❤️
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