Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Culinary magic happens when you blend creamy garlic chicken parmesan pasta into a delightful comfort meal that transforms dinner into something spectacular.

Aromatic garlic and rich parmesan create an irresistible symphony of flavors dancing across your plate.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among silky pasta strands, promising a satisfying experience.

Cheese melts with luxurious abandon, coating each noodle in decadent goodness.

Minimal ingredients come together quickly, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights.

Layers of savory seasonings promise a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Wins

  • Conquer Gourmet Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required, making sophisticated meals accessible to everyone.
  • Maximize Flavor Efficiency: By using the same skillet for multiple ingredients, you'll create layers of rich, interconnected flavors without complicated technique or excessive cleanup.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this pasta dish offers a balanced combination of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy elements that appeal to diverse palates.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Protein-rich meat that serves as the primary protein in this creamy pasta dish.
  • Fettuccine Pasta: Classic long, flat pasta that provides a perfect base for the creamy sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, sharp flavor and helps create a creamy texture in the sauce.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce base.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall flavor and helps create a silky sauce consistency.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide depth of flavor and a subtle kick of heat.
Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for cooking and seasoning the chicken and developing base flavors.
Supplementary Ingredients:
  • Cherry Tomatoes, White Wine, Lemon Wedges: Add brightness, acidity, and fresh complementary flavors to the dish.

How to Cook Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Cook fettuccine in salted water until al dente.

Drain and set aside, letting the pasta rest while you prepare the delicious sauce and chicken.

Step 2: Season Chicken Beautifully

Generously sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring each morsel is well-coated for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Deliciousness

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken pieces and cook until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Unleash Garlic Aromatics

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, allowing its incredible fragrance to fill your kitchen.

Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine Magic

Pour white wine into the skillet and let it simmer, reducing by half and capturing all the delicious pan drippings.

Step 6: Introduce Juicy Tomatoes

Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their sweet juices.

Step 7: Create Luxurious Creamy Sauce

Combine ingredients:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 8: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes and absorb the incredible flavors.

Step 9: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Sprinkle in:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir gently to distribute the herbs and add a subtle kick.

Step 10: Plate and Serve

Elegantly drape the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken over the prepared fettuccine.

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and additional parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Success

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged for a more authentic, deeper flavor profile.
  • Cook fettuccine just al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce while simmering, preventing mushy texture.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to match personal heat preference, starting with a small pinch and gradually increasing.
  • Finish dish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon for bright, fresh notes that cut through the creamy sauce.

Flavor Twists for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled portobello mushrooms, keeping the garlic cream sauce and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace regular flour (if used) with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, using the same creamy garlic sauce and protein for a keto-friendly meal.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop some fresh basil or add extra parsley for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy, garlicky chicken pasta and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Crispy Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle toasted Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko over the dish for a delightful crunch that adds texture and depth to the creamy pasta.
  • Side Salad Companion: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich and creamy chicken pasta.

Best Storage Tips for Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate chicken and sauce if possible to maintain better texture.
  • Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with linguine, penne, or spaghetti. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and complements the creamy texture.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild heat from optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or omitting them completely based on your preference.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a golden-brown exterior. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Can I make this dish without wine?

Absolutely! Replace white wine with chicken broth or skip it entirely. The recipe will still be delicious and flavorful with the garlic, cream, and Parmesan sauce.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory garlic chicken parmesan pasta delivers Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Cheesy, herbed sauce and golden chicken create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Pasta and Vegetables:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook fettuccine until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
  2. Pat chicken pieces dry and generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring golden brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden, approximately 45-60 seconds.
  5. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Allow liquid to reduce by half, concentrating flavors.
  6. Introduce cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they begin to burst and soften, creating a rustic texture.
  7. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
  8. Gently return chicken to the sauce, nestling pieces to reheat thoroughly for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, adding brightness and optional subtle heat.
  10. Plate pasta and top with creamy chicken mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive diners or those who love a kick.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version that maintains creaminess.
  • Choose gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
  • Swap chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative that keeps the rich, garlic-parmesan flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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