The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
On a crisp autumn evening, the leaves tapping the window and the kitchen smelling of butter and roasted garlic, a bowl of pasta like this feels like a warm blanket. The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week is the kind of comfort food that turns busy weeknights into a cozy ritual. It’s rich but simple, crowd-pleasing yet easy enough for beginners, and it becomes one of those recipes you save for when you want to feel nourished and indulgent at once.
Why readers love this recipe
This recipe lands on repeat because it balances creamy, savory, and garlicky flavors without fussy steps. If you enjoy exploring similar comforting recipes, you might also like this take on classic garlic Parmesan chicken pasta from my collection: classic garlic Parmesan chicken pasta. Now let’s get you cooking.
Ingredients
Makes 4 generous servings
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for color and nutrition)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon zest (optional) for brightness
Note: If you like variations of creamy garlic flavors in broader contexts, check out this comforting creamy garlic chicken ramen for inspiration: creamy garlic chicken ramen.
Step-by-step Instructions
This is an easy, single-skillet-forward recipe for efficient weeknight cooking.
- Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and just cooked through, about 4–6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Build the sauce
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30–45 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth, scrape any browned bits from the pan, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes so it thickens slightly.
- Finish and combine
- Lower heat, stir in grated Parmesan a little at a time until melted and silky. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, stir in the cooked pasta and baby spinach until wilted and everything is evenly coated. Season with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
For other one-pot comfort dishes, this Crock Pot creamy chicken Parmesan soup offers similar cozy flavors you’ll love: crock pot creamy chicken parmesan soup.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cut into even pieces so cooking time is uniform; remove it while slightly underdone because it finishes in the sauce.
- Grate fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly grated gives the creamiest outcome.
- Reserve pasta water: That starchy water is magic for loosening and binding the sauce.
- Taste and adjust: Because cream and cheese can mute salt, taste before serving and add seasoning as needed.
- If you want a crispier sear and deeper flavor on the chicken, give it a quick rest after cooking before adding it back to the sauce.
Possible Variations
- Gluten-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free broth for a naturally adaptable version of The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week.
- Streusel topping: For a playful fall twist, mix panko, melted butter, a touch of brown sugar, and rosemary; toast and sprinkle over individual portions for crunch.
- Veg-forward: Add roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for seasonal depth.
- Potato pairing: For a heartier plate, try serving the saucy chicken alongside garlic-parmesan-roasted potatoes inspired by this dish: garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes.
- Tomato-kissed: Stir in a half cup of crushed tomatoes for a tomato-garlic spin reminiscent of creamy tomato garlic pasta: creamy tomato garlic pasta.
Storage Recommendations
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to re-loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: This creamy dish freezes okay but may separate slightly. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
- Reheating tip: To revive creaminess, add a little cream or milk and stir over low heat until smooth.
Conclusion
If you’re craving an easy, comforting weeknight meal, The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week delivers cozy fall flavors and dependable results. For another one-pan approach to garlic and Parmesan, see this similar recipe: Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta (One-Pan).
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes — boneless skinless thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor. Cut to uniform pieces and adjust cooking time until cooked through.Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can substitute a plant-based cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but the texture will be slightly different. Use a thicker plant-based cream for best results.How can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
Cook the components separately: chicken, pasta (slightly underdone), and sauce. Reheat and combine shortly before serving so everything stays fresh and saucy.What pasta shape is best?
Wide ribbons like fettuccine or penne both work well — choose what your family prefers. Wider noodles hold the creamy sauce nicely and create a satisfying bite.
The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and rich creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that’s perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for color and nutrition)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon zest (optional) for brightness
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and just cooked through, about 4–6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30–45 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth, scrape any browned bits from the pan, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes so it thickens slightly.
- Lower heat, stir in grated Parmesan a little at a time until melted and silky. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, stir in the cooked pasta and baby spinach until wilted and everything is evenly coated. Season with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook the chicken and remember to reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian