The smell of sizzling garlic and parmesan in butter? Instant rewind to grandma’s Sunday kitchen, apron flapping. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is blowing up on TikTok—and yep, it’s way easier than it looks. Just 30-ish minutes, one skillet, full-on flavor.
This is one of those creamy, cozy, chicken pastas that hugs you from the inside. Chicken breasts, milk, parmesan, garlic—stuff you probably already have lurking in the fridge. Like your favorite casserole, but cooler. Full details in the blog!
I first made a version of this when my daughter Rachel refused to eat “dry noodles again.” We stirred, spilled, and may have set off the smoke detector. No fancy mixer, no wild techniques. Just real cooking—with a buttery twist you’ll totally want to steal.
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
If you’re craving restaurant-quality comfort food without the bill or the dress code, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is made for you. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together in just one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to savor. Best of all, this recipe manages to feel both fancy and totally practical—perfect for a weeknight dinner that’ll make everyone at the table happy.
With tender, juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a buttery, garlicky sauce that clings to every twist of the noodles, this dish doesn’t just taste amazing—it feels like a hug on a plate. And since it uses simple, everyday ingredients, it’s a recipe you can whip up anytime without a last-minute grocery run.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this dish pulls its weight, from the savory chicken to the velvety cream sauce. Make sure you use freshly grated parmesan—it melts beautifully and gives the sauce its signature rich flavor. For the chicken, go with boneless, skinless breasts and dice them evenly into 1-inch cubes to ensure quick, even cooking.
Garlic is the heart of the dish, lending warmth and depth to the sauce. Meanwhile, butter and heavy cream create that luscious texture, and a bit of chicken broth adds savory balance. Finally, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous) ties it all together.
Pro Tip: Fusilli, penne, or rotini are perfect for this recipe because their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce like a charm. No plain noodles here, my friend!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by seasoning your chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sear the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (we’re talking “don’t let it burn” levels). Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up those flavorful browned bits, then pour in the heavy cream. Slowly whisk in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and dreamy.
Return the chicken to the skillet, toss in the cooked pasta, and let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes. This helps those flavors mingle and gives the sauce time to coat every nook and cranny of the pasta. Sprinkle with parsley for a fresh, herby pop, and you’re done!
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Worried about lumpy sauce? Make sure to add the parmesan cheese slowly and whisk constantly—it’s the key to silky smoothness. If your sauce feels too thick, splash in a little extra chicken broth or even pasta water to loosen it up.
Need to customize? You can absolutely substitute the chicken with shrimp or toss in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. And if you’re out of heavy cream, a mix of whole milk and a tablespoon of butter can work in a pinch (but go easy on the heat to avoid curdling).
Issue
Quick Fix
Sauce too thick
Add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.
Chicken dry
Lower the cooking heat and don’t over-sear it.
No parmesan
Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Serving Ideas and Next-Day Love
To serve, pile the pasta high on a platter or in a large bowl (bonus points if it’s one of those vintage ceramic ones from your grandma’s kitchen). Add an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a dash of parsley for that “ta-da!” finish. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got yourself a meal worthy of any dinner guest.
For leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess—it’s like reviving yesterday’s brilliance. Trust me, it’s just as comforting the second time around (or maybe even better—it’s science).
Pro Tip: This pasta also freezes well for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw it gently and reheat on the stove for best results.
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta balances protein and fats with a rich sauce that clings to the pasta, enhancing flavor and texture. The emulsion of cream and cheese creates a smooth mouthfeel, while garlic adds aromatic depth, making this dish both comforting and satisfying without overwhelming the palate.
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A Taste of Family and Fun
Making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta always brings me back to those hectic dinners with Rachel, where I’d almost burn the sauce but she’d save the day. It’s become our go-to comfort meal—rich, cheesy, and full of the laughter that fills our kitchen every time we cook together.
FAQs ( The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week )
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can make most of this dish ahead. Prepare the sauce and cooked chicken up to 3 days in advance and store them separately from the pasta in airtight containers. Keep the pasta slightly undercooked if you plan to reheat it so it does not get mushy. When reheating, warm the sauce gently and add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the creamy texture.
What type of pasta works best for creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
Long ribbons like fettuccine or linguine and ridged shapes like rigatoni or penne both shine because they catch the sauce. I usually pick fettuccine for a classic feel, but pick what your family loves. Use dried pasta and cook it to al dente so it holds up when tossed with the sauce. Gluten-free and whole wheat options work too; just follow package timing and taste as you go.
Can I use frozen or pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and keeps the recipe quick. If using frozen cooked chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir it into the sauce just long enough to heat through. Avoid adding frozen raw chicken directly to the pan; either thaw fully or adjust cooking time to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Shredded chicken blends into the sauce nicely while sliced breasts give more texture.
How can I make this dish lighter or lower in calories?
To lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a teaspoon of cornstarch. Use less butter and more garlic and herbs for big flavor without the extra calories. Greek yogurt stirred in off heat adds creaminess and protein while keeping calories down. You can also bulk up the meal with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to stretch servings.
Is this recipe freezer friendly and how do I reheat it?
The sauce and cooked chicken freeze well, but cooked pasta can become softer after thawing. Freeze sauce and chicken in airtight containers for up to 2 months, leaving a little headroom for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to revive creaminess. If you want to freeze a full assembled dish, undercook the pasta slightly before freezing to reduce sogginess when reheated.
Wrapping Up Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Adventure
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, delivering rich, comforting flavors with minimal fuss—a true kitchen win you’ll wanna make again and again. Tender chicken, garlicky sauce, and that perfect cheesy hug? Yes, please.
Feel free to toss in fresh spinach or swap chicken for shrimp if you’re mixing things up. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk, making this recipe as forgiving as your favorite family stories. Trust me, simplicity and heart always win in homemade cooking.
Did this dish spark a new weeknight favorite or remind you of a cozy meal from your past? Snap a pic, share your twists, or pass it along to someone who loves a good kitchen hug. Here’s to cooking that feeds the soul—one skillet at a time.
Enjoy a rich and comforting creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious homemade sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
2 large Chicken breasts Boneless skinless cut into 1-inch cubes 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli) Or penne rotini 3 tbsp Unsalted butter Divided 4–5 cloves Garlic Minced 1½ cups Heavy cream For creamy sauce ½ cup Chicken broth For depth of flavor 1 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated 1 tsp Italian seasoning Divided ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes Optional Salt and pepper To taste 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 1½ tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken seasoned with salt pepper and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through about 6-8 minutes.
Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic sautéing until fragrant about 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream stirring to combine. Add the remaining Italian seasoning red pepper flakes salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss with the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra kick add more red pepper flakes or include sauteed mushrooms with the garlic
Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
