The inviting aroma of garlic sizzling in butter fills the kitchen even before the pan fully heats. That rich, comforting scent naturally draws everyone in. This **Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken** has become a viral sensation across Pinterest and TikTokand for excellent reason. It’s a one-skillet marvel, featuring perfectly melted cheese and utterly delicious flavors.
This lush, rich dish begins with tender chicken breasts, ample fresh garlic, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. The sauce envelops everything like a comforting embrace, blending the ease of your favorite diner meal with the warmth of Sunday dinner. Explore the full recipe details below!
I crafted this recipe during a particularly chaotic week, one filled with minor mishaps. Yet, this dish was a resounding successrich, straightforward, and incredibly quick to prepare. It delivers a taste of pure comfort and fills your home with inviting aromas, promising a delightful meal every time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish embodies everything a weeknight dinner should besimple to prepare, wonderfully indulgent, and packed with deep, comforting flavors. Imagine juicy chicken, enveloped in a creamy Parmesan sauce, all tossed with buttery rotini pasta. It truly is a warm, satisfying embrace in a bowl. The best part? It comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it achievable even on those incredibly busy days.
Moreover, who can resist a one-pan wonder? The luscious sauce is expertly crafted right in the same skillet used to cook the chicken, which translates to minimal cleanup. Whether you’re preparing a special family dinner or simply looking for a delicious Tuesday night meal, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken dinner feels like a small celebration.

Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s go through the essentials you’ll need. Rest assured, everything listed is either a common kitchen staple or easily found at your local grocery store:
- Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced or cut into even cutlets, they readily absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is absolutely essential here; its rich, nutty flavor expertly ties the entire dish together.
- Garlic: Three cloves of freshly minced garlic provide that wonderful, aromatic depth that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Rotini Pasta: Its twisted shape is perfect for catching and holding every drop of that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The key to achieving a lush, velvety sauce that luxuriously coats every single bite.
- Butter + Olive Oil: Used for richness and to ensure a perfect sear on your chicken.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a balanced blend of herbs, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
For tools, keep it simple: a reliable skillet, a pot for cooking pasta, and a sturdy wooden spoon or whisk for mixing. It’s that easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare and serve this wonderfully comforting and delicious chicken dish:
- Season and sear the chicken: Pat your chicken breasts thoroughly dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the pan and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- Boil the pasta: While the chicken rests, cook your rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, then toss with a small knob of butter for extra flavor and to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the 3 cloves of minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until you achieve a smooth, rich, and creamy sauce.
- Combine and enjoy: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing until it’s fully coated. Plate the pasta, top with the sliced chicken, and drizzle any extra sauce generously over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley if you desire a touch of color and freshness!
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Chicken Sear | 10-12 minutes |
| Pasta Boil | 8-10 minutes |
| Garlic Parmesan Sauce | 5-6 minutes |
| Assembly | 5 minutes |
Pro Tips & Variations
Crafting this saucy chicken dish is simpler than you might imagine, and these tips will help you perfect it every time:
- Double the sauce: If you enjoy extra sauce with your pasta (and who doesn’t?), simply double the amount of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This ensures plenty to smother your pasta and perhaps even drizzle over a side of roasted vegetables.
- Cheese alternatives: If Parmesan isn’t available, Pecorino Romano or Asiago make excellent substitutes. They will add a slightly sharper, more piquant kick to your sauce.
- Optional add-ins: For a delightful pop of color and extra flavor, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or a few sun-dried tomatoes during the final minute of sauce cooking.
Serving, Storage & Reheating
This dish is truly best enjoyed freshserve it warm and cheesy directly from the pan. However, should you have any wonderful leftovers, here’s how to preserve and reheat them:
| Storage Option | Tips |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to help loosen the sauce and restore its smooth consistency. |
| Freezer | The chicken can be frozen separately from the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing the sauce with pasta can sometimes alter the texture, so it’s best to make fresh pasta when serving thawed chicken. |
And there you have ita remarkable one-pan chicken dinner that perfectly captures comforting flavors in every single bite. Who’s ready to dive in?
Expert Insight: Perfecting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Achieving the ideal balance of richness and flavor is key in creamy garlic parmesan chicken. The combination of garlic’s aromatic sharpness with the nutty depth of Parmesan creates a sauce that clings beautifully to tender chicken, elevating a simple dish into a comforting classic. Managing sauce thickness ensures a luscious, satisfying texture every time.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Long Road to Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
I must have cooked Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken a dozen times before nailing the balance between rich sauce and tender chicken. Early attempts were either too salty or too thick, but each mistake guided me closer to this recipe, crafted from real kitchen trials and family taste tests that finally made it just right.
FAQs ( Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken )
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
To keep the chicken juicy, cook it over medium heat and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F. Resting the chicken for a few minutes before serving helps retain its moisture and makes the stir-fry tender and flavorful.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This meal can be prepared up to one day ahead. Store the chicken and creamy sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken moist before serving with the cheesy twisted pasta.
What side dishes go well with the recipe?
This recipe pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. These sides balance the rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce, creating a well-rounded Parmesan chicken dinner that’s great for weeknight meals or guests.
Can I use different pasta for this meal?
Absolutely! While cheesy twisted pasta works well, feel free to substitute with fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente and toss it with the creamy chicken sauce to ensure a delicious creamy chicken pasta experience.
Is this recipe kid friendly?
This dish is great for kids, thanks to its mild, creamy chicken sauce and cheesy pasta. To suit picky eaters, you can reduce garlic intensity or finely chop the garlic for a gentler flavor. It’s a simple and comforting meal the whole family can enjoy.

Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken comes together efficiently, rewarding you with tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce in under 40 minutes. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, making every bite feel like a comforting indulgence after a busy day. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying dinner, perfect for gathering everyone around the table with happy anticipation.
For an easy twist, consider stirring in some fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last minute of cooking for an added pop of color and flavor. And for any leftovers? Simply reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra cream or broth to bring back that silky sauce magica useful tip for maintaining its delicious texture. In my experience, doubling the garlic truly elevates this dish, making it unforgettable.
Did this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken evoke memories of a favorite family dinner or become a new weeknight ritual? I’d love to hear your stories or see your culinary creations! Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with someone who could use a little extra comfort on their plate. Here’s to many more warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious dinners ahead!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe for Easy Dinner Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a comforting weeknight chicken recipe featuring juicy seared chicken in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. This cheesy garlic chicken served with creamy chicken pasta brings easy dinner joy and flavorful indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley optional
Instructions
- Trim and pat dry the chicken breasts then season both sides with salt pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat then sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through then remove and rest.
- Boil rotini pasta according to package directions then drain and toss with a little butter.
- In the same skillet add butter and minced garlic then sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes then stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Slice the chicken into strips then toss the pasta in the sauce until fully coated.
- Plate the pasta top with sliced chicken drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with parsley.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg










