Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta has become my weeknight dinner hero when I need something impressive yet doable in just 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken with a velvety cheese sauce coating every twist of pasta creates a restaurant-worthy dish that my family requests again and again.

I first developed this recipe when trying to recreate my favorite date night pasta at home. After several attempts tweaking the sauce consistency, it now rivals anything we'd pay for at our local Italian restaurant but costs a fraction of the price.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts: the perfect protein for quick cooking and absorbs flavors beautifully
• Twisted pasta shapes: like rotini or cavatappi catch all the delicious sauce in their spirals
• Butter: creates the rich foundation for our sauce
• Olive oil: helps prevent the butter from burning when searing chicken
• Fresh garlic: provides aromatic flavor that dried simply cannot match
• Chicken broth: adds depth while keeping the sauce from being too heavy
• Heavy cream: creates that luxurious silky texture
• Parmesan cheese: use freshly grated for best melting and flavor
• Fresh parsley: brightens the rich dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Season Chicken:

Pat those chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure to evenly coat all surfaces.

Create the Perfect Sear:

Heat your largest skillet over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the olive oil and butter, swirling to coat the pan completely. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms, then flip and cook the other side until the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F.

Develop the Aromatic Base:

Reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning the garlic. Add the remaining butter and allow it to melt completely. Add your minced garlic and stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with that intoxicating aroma. Be vigilant here as garlic can go from perfect to bitter in seconds.

Create the Silky Sauce:

Pour in the chicken broth while using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits contain concentrated flavor that will elevate your sauce. Add the heavy cream and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese gradually while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth sauce without any clumps.

Cook the Perfect Pasta:

While your sauce develops, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt it generously until it tastes like seawater. Add your twisted pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Before draining, scoop out a full cup of the starchy pasta water to help adjust your sauce consistency later.

Bring It All Together:

Slice your rested chicken into elegant strips against the grain. Return the slices to the pan with the sauce, then add your drained pasta directly to the skillet. Gently toss everything together using tongs until every piece of pasta is gloriously coated with sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency.

Save

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the Parmesan melts into the cream creating that silky smooth texture. My daughter always lingers in the kitchen when I make this dish, hoping to steal a taste of the sauce before dinner is served. These little cooking moments have become our special time together.

Make Ahead Options

This dish reheats beautifully making it perfect for meal prep. Store the pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. I often make a double batch on Sunday for easy lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight making day two sometimes even more delicious than the first serving.

Perfect Substitutions

While chicken breasts are specified in this recipe, boneless thighs make an excellent alternative with even more flavor and tenderness. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor profile that works beautifully with the garlic. For a gluten free version, simply swap in your favorite gluten free pasta shape the sauce works perfectly with any type.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve it with roasted asparagus or broccolini arranged alongside the pasta. A glass of unoaked Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy flavors without overpowering them. For a complete comfort food experience, add some warm crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Twisted pasta varieties like rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi work best because their spirals and ridges capture the creamy sauce in every bite. These shapes also pair well visually and texturally with the sliced chicken. If you don't have twisted pasta, penne or farfalle would also work well.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! The recipe specifically mentions that about 1¼ pounds of chicken thighs can be substituted for the chicken breasts. Thighs will provide more moisture and flavor, though they may take slightly longer to cook through to the safe temperature of 165°F.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

To create a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream (though the sauce won't be as thick). You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese and butter. Consider adding more vegetables like spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers to add volume with fewer calories.

→ Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

The starchy pasta water acts as a thickener and helps the creamy sauce adhere to the pasta. If your sauce becomes too thick after combining everything, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water will help achieve the perfect consistency without diluting the flavor.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. The sauce may thicken considerably when refrigerated, so gently reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. For best results when reheating, warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat rather than using a microwave.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken pasta dish?

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works well for soaking up extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts also complement the creamy flavors while adding color and nutrients to the meal.