Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet effortless. With juicy golden chicken, a silky garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish has all the makings of your new weeknight favorite. Even better, it comes together quickly in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time at the table.

Although it’s gone viral on TikTok, the roots of creamy garlic pasta stretch back to traditional Italian cooking. Parmesan cheese has long been used to thicken and enrich sauces, while garlic adds depth and warmth. By pairing these classics with tender chicken and al dente pasta, you get a meal that’s both comforting and impressive enough for guests.

This pasta has everything—flavor, texture, and simplicity. The sauce coats each bite with just the right balance of richness and garlic aroma. Serve it with crusty bread or a crisp green salad, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
3 tbsp butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup parmesan, grated
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

2. Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

3. Build the sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Slowly stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add cheese and seasoning:
Whisk in parmesan until smooth and creamy. Stir in red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Combine and finish:
Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Golden chicken is key: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing—this ensures a crisp, flavorful crust on the chicken.
Fresh parmesan matters: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly. Use freshly grated parmesan for the silkiest sauce.
Reserve pasta water: Adding a splash at the end helps emulsify and thicken the sauce for that restaurant-worthy finish.

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