Quick & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe – A Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful garlic parmesan pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

creamy sauces have always been a weakness for pasta enthusiasts worldwide.

parmesan cheese brings a rich, nutty flavor that makes this dish irresistible.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical on your plate.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort.

Comfort and elegance merge in each delectable forkful of this classic Italian-inspired recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering pasta sensation.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Bold Comfort

• Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that appeals to both adults and kids, making it ideal for casual dinners or small gatherings.
• Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses the same skillet for cooking chicken and creating a luxurious, creamy sauce, saving time and reducing dish washing.
• Enjoy a balanced meal that combines tender chicken and pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce, providing a hearty and nutritious dining experience that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Breasts: Protein that adds substantial and hearty flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: Starchy foundation that serves as the main carbohydrate component of the recipe.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid base that creates a rich and smooth sauce consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp and tangy flavor profile to the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent taste to the overall dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds complex and traditional Mediterranean notes.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a fresh and bright finishing touch to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and provides a subtle underlying flavor.

Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until tender but still firm.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Pepper
• Chicken breasts

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

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

Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.

The chicken should have a beautiful caramelized exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165F.

Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.

Step 3: Create Garlic Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a smooth liquid base.

Stir the mixture and let it simmer gently.

Step 4: Melt Cheese

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Slowly whisk the Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce.

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated.

Slice the rested chicken and add it to the pasta.

Gently toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Transfer the creamy pasta and chicken to serving plates.

Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the sauce is at its most luxurious.

Tricks to Improve Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Cut chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite remains juicy and flavorful.
• Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent curdling, stirring constantly to create a smooth, silky sauce that coats pasta perfectly.
• Toast minced garlic briefly in olive oil to release deeper, nuttier notes before adding liquid ingredients, enhancing overall dish complexity.
• Use plenty of salt when boiling pasta to season it from within, creating a more delicious base for the creamy sauce.
• Select freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged for richer, more authentic flavor and smoother sauce texture.

Best Storage for Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal the pasta and chicken tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking, heating until the dish reaches 165°F.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of liquid to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Great Pairings with Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Pair Perfectly with White Wine: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy garlic sauce, cutting through the richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Create Vibrant Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the pasta's creamy texture and add a zesty, fresh contrast.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or broccoli as a nutritious side dish, bringing additional depth and green vegetable goodness to the meal.
• Boost with Crispy Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce, providing a crunchy texture and amplifying the garlic flavor profile.

Versions of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu, sautéed until golden and seasoned with similar spices.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles to create a low-carb, gluten-free version of the dish.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a plant-based sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for those who enjoy a little heat in their creamy pasta.

FAQs

• What makes this sauce so creamy?

The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates an incredibly smooth and rich sauce. Whisking the cheese gradually helps prevent clumping and ensures a velvety texture.

• Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with traditional pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine, you can easily substitute with penne, rotini, or any pasta you prefer. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, this pasta reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

• Can I make this recipe lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of Parmesan, or use Greek yogurt as a partial cream substitute to lower the calorie content while maintaining a creamy texture.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pasta lovers will adore this creamy garlic parmesan pasta, bringing Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Rich parmesan and velvety sauce combine for a quick, luxurious meal that promises restaurant-quality flavor in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or your choice of pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring complete doneness. Transfer to cutting board and allow brief resting period.
3. In the identical skillet, sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds until aromatic. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream, gently blending ingredients. Allow mixture to simmer, then reduce heat to low.
4. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking continuously until cheese melts completely. Create smooth, velvety consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Fold cooked pasta and thinly sliced chicken into sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Gently toss until every morsel is enveloped in creamy sauce.
6. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and enhanced flavor. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and luxurious.

Notes

• Choose short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli to help sauce cling better and create perfect bite-sized morsels.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain maximum moisture and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Lower heat when adding cheese to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
• For lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
• Create vegetarian option by replacing chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Enhance protein content by adding white beans or grilled tofu as meat alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 840
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 52 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg