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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between comforting, flavorful, and easy quite like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Tender pieces of seasoned chicken are combined with pasta coated in a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce. The result is a satisfying dinner that feels restaurant-worthy while still being simple enough for a busy weeknight.

The secret to this recipe is building the sauce gradually. Garlic is gently cooked in butter to release its aroma, then combined with cream and freshly grated Parmesan. A little pasta water helps bring everything together, creating a smooth sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is especially appealing because it requires simple ingredients but delivers plenty of flavor.

Creamy and comforting: The Parmesan sauce is rich without being overly complicated.
Full of garlic flavor: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a warm, aromatic base.
Protein-packed: Seasoned chicken makes the pasta a complete meal.
Quick to prepare: Most of the cooking can happen while the pasta boils.
Easy to customize: You can add vegetables, herbs, or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Perfect for leftovers: The sauce can be loosened with a splash of milk or pasta water when reheating.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta

12 ounces pasta, such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine
Salt, for the pasta water

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
4–5 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water, added as needed
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are particularly thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook more evenly.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere to the surface and encourages better browning.

In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Make sure the chicken is well coated but not overloaded with seasoning. The goal is to create a flavorful crust that complements rather than overwhelms the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter.

Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet.

Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Avoid moving it around too much while it cooks. Allowing the chicken to remain in contact with the hot pan helps develop a flavorful golden-brown exterior.

The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for several minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, helping the chicken remain tender when sliced.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.

This small step is important. Pasta water contains starch released from the pasta during cooking, and that starch can help create a smoother sauce while also adjusting its consistency.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.