Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta made with tender chicken, rich sauce, and simple ingredients for an easy homemade dinner.
Eli Brooks
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the kind of easy dinner that feels rich, comforting, and restaurant-worthy without needing complicated ingredients. It brings together tender seasoned chicken, a silky garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one cozy meal that works for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you want something warm and satisfying.
What makes this recipe special is the balance: creamy but not too heavy, garlicky but not overpowering, and full of flavor from simple kitchen staples like parmesan cheese, garlic, chicken broth, and a touch of lemon. The sauce coats every bite of pasta beautifully, while the golden chicken adds protein and a satisfying homemade feel.
This is a great recipe for home cooks who want a dependable pasta dinner that looks impressive, tastes comforting, and comes together with ingredients you can easily find at most grocery stores.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Step 2
Season the sliced chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Step 4
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring often, until fragrant.
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Step 5
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift the flavorful browned bits.
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Step 6
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
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Step 7
Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
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Step 8
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
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Step 9
If the sauce feels too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred texture.
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Step 10
Stir in baby spinach if using, and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
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Step 11
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan before serving warm.
Recipe notes
Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded parmesan.
Do not boil the cream sauce too aggressively, or it may become too thick.
Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or linguine all work well.
Add mushrooms, peas, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
A small amount of lemon juice helps balance the richness of the sauce.
Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to a smooth texture.
Nutrition note
This creamy pasta is a comfort-style dinner with protein from the chicken and richness from the parmesan cream sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add extra spinach or vegetables.