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Delicious creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta served on a modern table with fresh parsley garnish, parmesan cheese, and garlic bread.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

By Emma Cook
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Made in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect one-pan meal for a quick, delicious, and comforting dinner
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Pasta pot
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Tongs or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta or pasta of choice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup pasta water reserved
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Season & Sear the Chicken – Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  • Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Melt the Parmesan – Slowly add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
  • Cook the Pasta – While the sauce simmers, cook fettuccine pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  • Combine Everything – Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the sauce. Stir in reserved pasta water to reach the perfect creamy consistency.
  • Final Touches & Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Notes & Tips

  • For an extra creamy sauce, add cream cheese or a little more heavy cream.
  • Spice it up! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a kick.
  • Pasta water is key! It helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates the perfect consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess.
  • Microwave in short bursts (30 seconds at a time), stirring between intervals.
  • Not freezer-friendly – The cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: ~650 kcal
  • Protein: ~40g
  • Carbohydrates: ~50g
  • Fat: ~35g
  • Saturated Fat: ~18g
  • Sodium: ~700mg
Love this recipe? Rate it, leave a comment, and share it with friends! Let me know your favorite pasta variations in the comments below.
Keyword garlic parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pot pasta recipe, easy chicken pasta, parmesan cream sauce