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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of comforting dinner that feels restaurant-worthy while still being simple enough to make at home. Tender pieces of seasoned chicken are combined with pasta and coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and cream. Every bite is savory, creamy, and packed with garlic flavor.

The best part of this recipe is that it comes together in one main skillet after the pasta is cooked, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights. A little pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles, while freshly grated Parmesan gives the dish a deeper, smoother flavor than pre-shredded cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is satisfying without requiring a long list of complicated ingredients. The chicken provides hearty protein, while the garlic and Parmesan create a classic combination that pairs naturally with a creamy sauce.

It is also easy to customize. You can use spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or another pasta you already have in your pantry. Add spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes if you want extra vegetables and flavor.

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 salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the pasta:

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

For the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
5–6 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Keeping the pieces relatively similar in size helps them cook evenly.

Place the chicken in a bowl and season it with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well so every piece is lightly coated.

The seasoning may look simple, but it gives the chicken enough flavor to stand out against the creamy sauce without overpowering the garlic and Parmesan.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.

Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1 cup of the cooking water and set it aside.

This small step is important. Starchy pasta water can help loosen the sauce and gives it a silky consistency while helping the sauce adhere to the noodles.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. Avoid rinsing it, since the natural starch on the surface helps the creamy sauce cling to it.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

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

Once the butter has melted and begins to foam, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

Let the chicken cook for several minutes without constantly moving it. This allows the outside to develop a flavorful golden-brown crust.

Turn the pieces and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.