Bring Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Pasta & Chicken:
2 cups rigatoni pasta (or any pasta of choice)
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup diced tomatoes (for extra flavor and color)
½ cup spinach or mushrooms (for added nutrition)
Fresh parsley for garnish
PREPARATION STEPS
Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season diced chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, then add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
Let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: ~600 per serving | Servings: 4
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.