Ohhh yes 😍—this is rich, indulgent, and quick—basically comfort food in a bowl. Here’s a full, foolproof recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta 🍝🍗
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 250 g (½ lb) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into strips
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the sauce:
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- ½–¾ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of thyme, oregano, basil)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Cook pasta
Boil salted water, cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than package instructions (will finish in the sauce). Reserve ½ cup pasta water. - Cook chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika.
Heat oil/butter in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (~5–7 min). Remove and set aside. - Make garlic sauce
In the same pan, add butter + garlic. Sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in cream + chicken broth, bring to gentle simmer. - Add cheese & seasoning
Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer 2–3 min until sauce thickens. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually. - Combine
Add cooked pasta + chicken. Toss to coat evenly. Taste, adjust salt/pepper. - Serve
Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or lemon zest.
Pro Tips
- Cheese matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
- Creamy but not heavy: Use half cream, half milk if you want lighter.
- One-pan hack: After cooking chicken, you can toss pasta directly into the sauce pan—less cleanup!
I can also give a 10-minute shortcut version with store-bought rotisserie chicken that’s just as creamy and flavorful if you want super fast comfort food.
Do you want me to do that version too?
