Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate cozy comfort food that wraps you in a blanket of flavor. Tender seared chicken bites nestled in silky strands of fettuccine, all smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull off.

This dish is rich without being heavy, with just the right balance of creamy, garlicky, and cheesy. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, it hits all the right notes. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce, and you’ve got a dinner that will be requested on repeat.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Fettuccine is a classic match for creamy sauces like this one because its wide, flat noodles carry the richness beautifully. But don’t hesitate to swap it for linguine, spaghetti, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is versatile enough to coat any pasta you love.

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for a juicy protein base.
Olive Oil and Butter: This combo ensures a golden sear on the chicken while adding depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings the essential punch of flavor and warmth to the entire dish.
Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, creamy texture that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor—the backbone of the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a subtle herby note to round out the richness.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and sauce to perfection.
Fettuccine Pasta: The perfect partner for catching all that creamy sauce.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle on top for color and a touch of freshness.

How To Make the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken and season it with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Sear until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add more butter if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the Cheese

Lower the heat and slowly add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Add more cream or a splash of pasta water if it gets too thick.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, followed by the seared chicken. Toss everything together to coat well. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you’d like. Pair it with a green salad or garlic bread for a full meal.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This pasta is best served hot off the stove when the sauce is creamy and the chicken is juicy. Serve it in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, garlic knots, or a crisp Caesar salad.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. If using milk, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or a roux (butter + flour) to help thicken it.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

While fettuccine is ideal, penne, rotini, or even spaghetti work well. Choose shapes that hold sauce nicely.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the components ahead and store them separately. Reheat the sauce and pasta gently, then combine before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze very well as they can separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

How do I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end for a gentle kick.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works great. Just add it during the final mixing step to warm it through.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, check out some of these other cozy, flavor-packed favorites from the site:

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – comforting and hearty with beefy richness.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli – creamy, cheesy and veggie-loaded.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup – all the classic flavors of Alfredo in spoonable form.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce – a fun twist with bold flavors.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli – quick, hearty, and family-approved.

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Tried this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta? Tell me how it went! Did you swap the fettuccine for penne? Add a little kick with chili flakes? Share your twist in the comments below.

I love hearing how you make these dishes your own — and don’t be shy with questions, either. Let’s keep cooking together!