Name: Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice); 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for an irresistibly comforting weeknight dinner that still feels special, look no further than Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite—this is pure Italian-American bliss, all whipped up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing a guest, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers big with simple ingredients that somehow taste like so much more. Get ready for rave reviews and maybe (just maybe!) no leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in its short, thoughtful ingredient list. Each addition—nothing fancy, just the essentials—brings flavor, texture, and that comforting richness that makes pasta night a crowd favorite.

Olive oil: A splash adds a light, fruity base for both chicken and garlic—don’t skip it for that classic Italian aroma.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and juicy, protein-packed mouthfuls.
Salt and pepper: Let these basics work their understated magic to boost every ingredient’s flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced for deep, aromatic warmth throughout the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: The non-negotiable base for the velvet-smooth sauce—splurge for full flavor!
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the ultimate, nutty melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs brings out both the chicken and cheese in every, single forkful.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch adds gentle heat, completely customizable to your taste.
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite): Choose your mood—the sauce will coat ridges or noodles beautifully.
Reserved pasta water: The secret to a glossy, clingy sauce that never splits or feels heavy.
Chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh herbal finish—garnish like a pro.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your chosen pasta just until al dente—this is the foundation of Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, so don’t overdo it. Before draining, remember to ladle out half a cup of that precious starchy pasta water and set it aside; you’ll use it later to help marry pasta and sauce into a creamy dream.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan in an even layer. Let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get a little golden crust, then toss and continue cooking until juicy and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes total. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside so you can build the sauce in the same pan.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium-low, then add garlic to the skillet. Give it just about a minute—once it’s fragrant (but not brown), pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often. You want a rich, thickened sauce that looks glossy and inviting.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the drained, cooked pasta and the reserved chicken right back into the skillet with your sauce. Toss well to coat every noodle and piece of chicken—the sauce should hug every bite. If it seems too thick, pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it’s just creamy enough to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; sometimes a last pinch of salt or Parmesan is all it takes!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta into bowls, sprinkle with a generous handful of chopped parsley, and top with even more Parmesan if you’re feeling extra cheesy. Serve piping hot for the best Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta experience.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A finishing flourish makes all the difference! For Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and that just-left-the-bistro vibe. Cracked black pepper, a whisper of lemon zest, or extra shavings of good Parmesan take this pasta from homey to guest-worthy, and it takes all of two seconds.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with veggies or bread that won’t upstage the main event. Garlic bread or a pillowy focaccia is perfect for swiping up the last drops of creamy sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted broccoli balances richness and lifts the whole plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual night, try serving Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta family-style right from the skillet. Hosting friends? Pile it high onto a big platter, sprinkle with herbs, and pass around extra cheese. Or, for something different, portion the pasta into individual ramekins, top with a little extra Parmesan, and broil quickly for a golden, bubbly finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce stays luscious, and the flavors get even better as they meld—a perfect next-day lunch or weeknight dinner rerun.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze this pasta for up to two months if you’re mindful. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently—expect a little texture change, but nothing a splash of cream or milk can’t fix.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works for quick meals; just stop and stir every 30 seconds to keep things creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully and bring a little extra flavor. Even rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re in a hurry.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half for a slightly lighter dish, but remember the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. If you want to keep the sauce creamy, add a little extra Parmesan cheese to help thicken it up.

What pasta shapes pair best with this dish?

Penne and fettuccine are classics for Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, but feel free to use rigatoni, spaghetti, or even gluten-free noodles—the sauce loves them all.

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Definitely! Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes at the end for color, texture, and extra nutrition without losing the signature creamy flavor.

How do I avoid a grainy sauce?

For super smooth Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, freshly grate your Parmesan and add it gradually over low heat. High heat or pre-shredded cheese can cause clumps, so be gentle and patient for ultimate creaminess.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that never fails to comfort and impress. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for guests, and always satisfyingly delicious. Grab your skillet and treat yourself—you’re just 30 minutes away from pasta perfection!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken, savory Parmesan cheese, and a luscious cream sauce come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.