If you’re yearning for the comfort of a classic Italian-inspired meal that comes together with ease, look no further than Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This dish brings together tender strips of juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce—each bite is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and just a touch of garlicky goodness. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends, you’ll fall in love with how this irresistible recipe turns familiar ingredients into something truly special.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity: just a handful of everyday ingredients join forces to create unforgettable flavors and velvety textures. Each element has a role to play, building layers of taste and richness.

Pasta: Choose penne or fettuccine for their perfect sauce-catching shapes, making every bite extra creamy.
Olive oil: The foundation for browning the chicken, adding a subtle, fruity note to the final dish.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, they soak up the seasonings and become deliciously tender.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that makes the dish taste like it’s straight from an Italian kitchen.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a deep, roasted garlic flavor before it even hits the pan.
Salt: Enhances every component, ensuring the sauce and chicken are perfectly seasoned.
Black pepper: Adds just enough warmth to balance the richness of the sauce.
Fresh garlic (minced): Sautéed in butter, it delivers punchy aroma and layers of garlicky depth.
Butter: Makes the sauce silky and indulgent, tying all the other flavors together.
Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, lending luxurious body and creaminess to every forkful.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty punch that defines the whole dish.
Chicken broth: Lifts the sauce with a savory backbone and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
Baby spinach (optional): Adds a pop of color, nutrients, and freshness—perfect for a balanced bite.
Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish, its bright flavor and color bring vibrancy to your final presentation.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice—penne or fettuccine both work beautifully—and cook it until al dente, following the package timing for the best texture. Once cooked, drain well and set aside. This gives you perfect, ready-to-toss pasta just waiting for that dreamy sauce.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, grab your chicken strips and season them with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the chicken. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, turning as needed, until the pieces are golden all around and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover loosely to keep warm and juicy.

Step 3: Build the Base for the Sauce

With the chicken set aside, reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted and bubbling gently, stir in the minced fresh garlic. Sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fragrant—this is where magic starts, as the butter and garlic make your kitchen smell like heaven.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to blend. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then sprinkle in your mound of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring as the cheese melts into the sauce, which should start to thicken and turn glossy after 3 to 5 minutes. At this stage, the sauce should coat the back of your spoon and look utterly irresistible!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss to fully coat every piece in the creamy sauce. Gently stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet. If you’re feeling extra, toss in the baby spinach and let it just wilt into the steaming pasta. That burst of green really pops!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Divide your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta among plates or bowls, finishing each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a generous shower of extra Parmesan, if you wish. Serve immediately while steaming hot and the cheese is still gooey and melty.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

The final flourish can turn this from simple to sensational. Fresh chopped parsley not only adds color but brightens up every bite, while an extra grating of Parmesan delivers that irresistible, salty finish. If you wish, a light twist of black pepper or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can lend a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich, so it’s best accompanied by a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or simply steamed broccoli. For soaking up any leftover sauce, a slice of garlic bread or rustic Italian loaf is pure bliss on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate weeknight Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta by serving it family-style in a big, beautiful bowl at the center of the table for sharing. Or, for a special occasion, twirl individual portions into nested piles, then crown with chicken, parsley, and freshly shaved Parmesan for a restaurant-quality look. Add a few halved cherry tomatoes or lemon wedges for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of milk or broth when reheating will bring back its luscious texture.

Freezing

While this creamy pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. Just note that sauces made with cream may separate slightly after freezing, so stir well when warming it back up.

Reheating

To reheat, place your pasta in a skillet or saucepan over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth, stirring gently until the sauce loosens up and the dish is heated through. Avoid the microwave, if possible, to preserve the creaminess and prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay wonderfully tender in this recipe. Just adjust your cooking time, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through compared to breasts.

Is there a way to lighten up Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

You can lighten the dish by substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream or using reduced-fat Parmesan. Be aware that the sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still taste amazing! Add more baby spinach for color and a dose of nutrition.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so with one swap, your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta will be suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

For the smoothest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add it to the cream just off the heat or at a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling the sauce after the cheese goes in, as high heat can make even good cheese separate or become grainy.

What other vegetables can I add?

Besides spinach, sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas make tasty additions. Just sauté mushrooms with the garlic for extra flavor, or stir in sun-dried tomatoes with the chicken at the end for a tangy-sweet punch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about sharing a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta with those you love—it’s warming, uplifting, and always a hit at the table. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved weeknight staple or the crown jewel of your next dinner party!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this rich and creamy Parmesan chicken pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken strips, al dente pasta, and a luscious Parmesan sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth

Additional:

1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the chicken: Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add cream, broth, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in sauce. Add chicken, spinach, and parsley. Serve hot.