Every so often, a dish comes along that truly earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation, and this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those heart-stealing meals. Juicy, golden bites of chicken mingle with tender pasta all wrapped up in a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings to every noodle. Whether you’re feeding a family on a hectic weeknight or hosting friends for an impromptu gathering, this recipe delivers comfort, ease, and restaurant-worthy flavor in every bite. Keep reading to see how simple ingredients transform into a dinner you’ll crave again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients list—each one is chosen to maximize flavor and texture. With humble pantry staples and a handful of fresh items, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together and how impressive the final result tastes.
- Pasta (12 ounces, penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape; penne and fettuccine both soak up the sauce marvelously.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a golden sear on the chicken and a rich depth to the sauce.
- Chicken breasts (1 pound, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender, juicy, and the perfect canvas for all the glorious flavors to come.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings herbaceous, savory notes that brighten both chicken and sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that infuses every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the cheesiness of the sauce.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic makes the sauce aromatic and utterly irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Creates the creamy base for the sauce and enriches every element.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Important for turning your pan drippings into a velvety roux that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): De-glazes the pan and imparts a savory backbone to the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to a super-creamy, dreamy texture that clings to every bite.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): The star ingredient—rich, salty, and utterly melt-in-the-mouth.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded, optional): For extra gooeyness and a bit of stretch (optional but delightful!).
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of green and rounds out the flavors with brightness.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente—it’s worth the watchful eye! Al dente pasta will continue to absorb the creamy sauce later and never turns mushy. Once done, drain and set aside, but reserve a little pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté and Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper so every piece is coated with flavor. Add the chicken to your sizzling pan in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside; this gives you gorgeous, juicy bites ready to shine in the Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and, in that same fragrant skillet, add unsalted butter and minced garlic. Stir for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and golden. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for another one to two minutes—this step is key for a silky, non-grainy sauce.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Broth and Cream
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking all the while to keep things lump-free. Follow this with the heavy cream, and stir continuously as the sauce begins to thicken, which should take 4 to 5 minutes. When the sauce is rich, glossy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, stir in the Parmesan cheese (and mozzarella, if you’re using it) until completely melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine, Toss, and Finish
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat every nook and cranny with the luscious sauce. Allow everything to heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes so the Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe melds together perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—sometimes a pinch more salt and pepper is just what it needs. Finally, scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of vibrant chopped parsley will bring both visual appeal and flavor contrast to your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. For extra flair, add a twist of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is certainly a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or lightly buttered, garlicky bread makes for an irresistible meal. Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or simply dressed arugula are lovely sides that can complement the richness beautifully without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in a large, shallow bowl for family-style comfort or present it as individual portions topped with extra herbs and shaved Parmesan. For a dinner party, twirl the pasta into neat nests and perch the chicken on top—either way, your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe looks and tastes like a gourmet treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making those busy weeknight lunches a breeze.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, this recipe holds up quite nicely. For best results, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore smoothness if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Take care not to boil, as high heat can make the sauce separate. The microwave works too for smaller portions—just cover and cook on medium power, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine are classics for this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, including shells, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for some or all of the heavy cream, and consider using reduced-fat cheese. You’ll still get a creamy, satisfying sauce with a bit less richness.
How do I add vegetables?
It’s easy to boost the nutrition and color—just stir in steamed broccoli, peas, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes when you combine the chicken and pasta with the sauce at the end.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and cheesy chicken are a major hit with kids, and you can easily adjust the seasonings to keep it mild if you prefer.
Can I prep this in advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and chop the garlic ahead of time. Even the sauce can be made a day in advance and gently reheated, making dinnertime an absolute breeze.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe and savor every cheesy, cozy bite with the people you love. Give it a try, and you might just find it turning into your new signature dinner—one you’ll be proud to serve time and again!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and comforting Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce come together in a harmonious blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic in butter. Whisk in flour, then gradually add chicken broth and cream. Stir until thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and mozzarella if desired.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and toss in the sauce. Heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
- Include steamed broccoli or spinach for added vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
