Print

Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Close-up of creamy chicken pasta featuring fettuccine noodles, topped with seared chicken pieces and fresh parsley.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this ultimate creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta for a restaurant-quality dish that is simple to prepare for your weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers rich, comforting flavor that your family will request often.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed.
  8. Serve immediately. Garnish each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast; simply shred the meat and add it in Step 6.
  • If you want a slight kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic.
  • To achieve a truly restaurant-style, non-breaking sauce, always add the Parmesan cheese off the heat.

Nutrition