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Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken and fresh parsley.

The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Try!

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort meal — rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Whether made in a skillet or as a crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple, fresh ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or easy weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4
Calories 640 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced or cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 4 –6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
  • ½ cup chicken broth or stock
  • 1 to 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces 340 g pasta — fettuccine, penne, or your favorite type
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
  • Optional add-ins: spinach mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions
 

Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients

  • Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and chop parsley. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2 – Sear the Chicken

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3 – Cook the Aromatics

  • Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4 – Make the Sauce

  • Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 5 – Combine Chicken and Sauce

  • Slice or cube the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Simmer 2–3 minutes to warm through.

Step 6 – Cook and Add the Pasta

  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved water as needed to reach creamy consistency.

Step 7 – Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle with parsley, extra Parmesan, and crushed red pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cheese Tip: Always grate Parmesan fresh — pre-grated doesn’t melt as well.
  • Cream Tip: Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore smoothness.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze sauce separately for up to 2 months.