Introduction to Creamy Chicken and Parmesan Pasta
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark like a warm plate of creamy chicken and Parmesan pasta. This recipe blends juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and Parmesan cheese for a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping lunches for the week, this one-skillet meal offers everything you want: flavor, simplicity, and versatility.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is how fast and customizable it is. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes—whatever you have on hand. The sauce comes together in the same pan you cook the chicken in, making cleanup a breeze. It also allows you to build layers of flavor by deglazing the pan with chicken broth before adding heavy cream and grated Parmesan. For variation, check out these garlic chicken pasta ideas that offer even more ways to enjoy this creamy classic.
Thanks to ingredients like Italian seasoning, olive oil, and paprika, every bite of this dish is seasoned to perfection without overwhelming the rich creaminess of the sauce. And with pantry staples like Parmesan cheese and garlic, you don’t need a trip to a specialty store to get dinner on the table. If you want to learn more about the star ingredients, visit this page on Parmesan cheese and how it enhances savory dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Recipe
This creamy chicken and Parmesan pasta dish is everything you want in a comforting family meal. It’s rich and flavorful, but comes together quickly using simple ingredients. The tender chicken is pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a garlic butter cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s ideal for weeknights when you want something cozy but not complicated.
One of the biggest reasons this recipe stands out is its adaptability. You can serve it over fettuccine, mashed potatoes, or even spoon it onto crusty garlic bread for an open-faced sandwich. The creamy garlic sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth thickens perfectly in the skillet. This technique is a great base for other cream sauce types, making it a go-to formula for creamy meals.
If you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, try adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. For more variation ideas, explore creamy chicken pasta recipes for creative flavor twists. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a hungry family, this is a dish that delivers every time.
Ingredients Breakdown and Substitutions
This recipe uses pantry staples to create a creamy, flavor-packed chicken dish in under 30 minutes.
Core Ingredients
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Chicken breasts or thighs (4 pieces) – Use boneless and skinless cuts for fast cooking.
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Salt, black pepper, paprika – Base seasoning for depth and color.
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Olive oil (1 tbsp) – For searing the chicken.
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Unsalted butter (3 tbsp) – Builds a rich garlic base.
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Garlic (6 cloves, minced) – Adds bold, aromatic flavor.
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Chicken broth (1 cup) – Deglazes the pan and builds the sauce.
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Heavy cream (1 cup) – Creates a velvety, luxurious texture.
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Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated) – Gives the sauce its nutty, savory profile. Learn more about Parmesan cheese.
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Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Blends herbs for a balanced flavor.
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Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and color.
Substitutions
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Cream alternatives: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or coconut cream for dairy-free.
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Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or pork chops.
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Parmesan: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting.
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Gluten-free: Serve with rice or gluten-free pasta.
For more inspiration, check out garlic chicken pasta variations that make the most of these ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Season the chicken on both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
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Sear the chicken in olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and melt completely.
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Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
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Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon.
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Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer 2–3 more minutes to reheat and coat thoroughly.
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Garnish with parsley and serve over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
If you’re new to creamy dishes, check out this overview of cream sauces and how to balance texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips for Creamy Chicken Success
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Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking.
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Avoid burning garlic—cook only until fragrant, not browned.
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Simmer, don’t boil the sauce to prevent curdling.
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Add Parmesan slowly and stir to help it melt smoothly.
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Adjust seasoning depending on your broth and cheese saltiness.
For more ways to build bold garlic flavors, visit garlic butter sauce inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
This dish works well with a variety of sides and presentations:
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Serve over fettuccine, penne, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
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Spoon over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
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Add a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
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Slice the chicken and toss everything together as a creamy pasta bowl.
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Use leftovers for wraps or baked in puff pastry for a twist.
Need more ideas? Browse weeknight creamy chicken dishes for family-friendly inspiration.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This creamy chicken dish holds up well for leftovers and prep-ahead meals.
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Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth.
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Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month (sauce may separate slightly).
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For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately.
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Pair with fresh-cooked pasta when serving to keep texture optimal.
Browse meal prep creamy chicken bowls for creative make-ahead meal solutions.
Variations on the Classic
This base recipe opens the door to creative variations:
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Cajun creamy chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun spice blend.
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Lemon garlic twist: Add lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavor.
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Spinach & mushroom: Add vegetables after the garlic for a heartier version.
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Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
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Pasta swaps: Try orzo, gnocchi, or zucchini noodles for different textures.
Learn more about what makes Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese pair so well with creamy sauces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking chicken: Leads to dryness. Use a meat thermometer if needed.
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Boiling cream: Can cause it to split. Always simmer gently.
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Using pre-shredded Parmesan: Often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
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Not seasoning properly: Taste and adjust salt before serving.
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Adding chicken too early: Wait until the sauce is thickened.
For more tips, explore our internal guide on how to make garlic cream sauce successfully.
Creamy Chicken vs Alfredo vs Garlic Butter Dishes
While similar, each creamy dish offers unique features:
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Alfredo: Primarily uses butter, cream, and Parmesan, no broth or added herbs.
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Garlic butter chicken: Doesn’t use cream—emphasizes herbs and lemon.
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This recipe: A hybrid with garlic butter, cream, herbs, and cheese, giving it richness with balanced depth.
To explore other styles, check out more cream sauce types and how they’re used in savory dishes.
FAQs – People Also Ask
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and add extra richness.
How do I thicken creamy garlic sauce?
Simmer the sauce longer or stir in more Parmesan until it reaches desired thickness.
What pasta works best with creamy chicken?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the sauce well.
Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream gives the richest texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli are great additions.
Quick and Creamy Chicken Recipes for Delicious Family Dinners
Description
This creamy chicken and Parmesan pasta features golden pan-seared chicken simmered in a garlic butter sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and herbs. It’s a one-skillet recipe perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or any time you need a rich, flavorful dish the whole family will love.
Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and let it melt.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated in the creamy sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Notes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
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Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 1 month
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Reheating Tip: Add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce
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Add-ons: Spinach, mushrooms, or lemon zest for variation
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Substitutions: Chicken thighs, half-and-half, gluten-free pasta
