Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Rich, creamy, and loaded with garlic and Parmesan flavor — this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is pure comfort food! Tender seasoned chicken, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a restaurant-quality dish that’s ready in under 45 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (+1 hour marination) Cook Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast (pounded slightly for even thickness)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil (for marinade)
- 2 tbsp clarified butter or ghee
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups chicken broth (or 1 cube bouillon + 1½ cups water)
- 1½ cups unsweetened heavy whipping cream
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
To Assemble
- 10 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or linguine work great)
Method
1. Marinate the Chicken Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Drizzle with 2 tbsp oil and mix well. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (longer is better).
2. Cook the Chicken Heat 2 tbsp clarified butter/ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the pan, slice into strips, and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce In the same pan, add 1 tbsp butter. Once melted, add chopped onion and sauté for 1 minute until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously until smooth. Cook for 2–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Add salt, smoked paprika, red chili flakes, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes silky smooth.
4. Assemble the Pasta Add the boiled pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add the sliced chicken and mix gently. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.
5. Serve Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot!
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce than pre-packed cheese.
- Pound the chicken for even cooking and better texture.
- Don’t skip the flour — it helps create a thick, velvety sauce.
- For extra garlic flavor, add ½ tsp garlic powder to the pasta water.
- Want it spicier? Increase red chili flakes or add cayenne.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast on the side
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Chilled white wine (Chardonnay pairs beautifully)
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying — a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special!
Try it tonight and tell me in the comments how you liked it. Would you like a one-pan version, spicy variation, or mushroom version next?
Save this recipe — it’s going to be your new favorite! 🍝❤️
