Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight

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This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight is a rich, soul-warming dish that pairs perfectly seared chicken with tender fettuccine and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s comfort food at its best—creamy, savory, and packed with deep garlic flavor and a subtle peppery kick. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish delivers restaurant-level satisfaction with minimal fuss.

Golden, pan-seared chicken bites sit on a bed of silky, cheese-laced pasta, topped with a sprinkle of parsley and freshly grated Parmesan. The sauce clings to every ribbon of fettuccine, thanks to a perfect balance of cream, butter, and aged cheese. Each forkful promises warmth and flavor—exactly what weeknight dinners and special meals alike need.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Fettuccine is the best pick here because its wide, flat shape holds onto creamy sauces beautifully. You can also go with tagliatelle or pappardelle if you prefer something a bit thicker. If you only have spaghetti or linguine on hand, those will work too—just keep in mind that thinner noodles won’t carry as much of the sauce.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight

• Chicken breast: Lean and protein-packed, boneless chicken breast cubes brown beautifully and absorb the sauce flavors.
• Fettuccine pasta: Its broad texture clings to creamy sauces, making every bite flavorful.
• Heavy cream: The base of the sauce; provides that luscious, velvety consistency.
• Garlic cloves: Sautéed until fragrant to infuse the sauce with bold, aromatic depth.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for richness and sharpness that balances the creaminess.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor throughout the sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken for golden edges and juicy centers.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and sauce.
• Italian seasoning: Gives the dish a herby, slightly earthy touch.
• Chopped parsley: Adds a bright finish and pop of color.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss the pieces so every surface is well coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a small pat of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, searing until golden brown on all sides and cooked through—this should take about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Fettuccine

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt more butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—around 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish the Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken slightly, then return the chicken to the pan. If needed, use a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet, tossing well to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is hot and well blended.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy garlic bliss!

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Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight

Serve this pasta hot, right from the skillet, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley for a touch of freshness. Garlic bread or a simple green salad makes a great companion to round out the meal. A glass of crisp white wine wouldn’t hurt either!

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. It’s not freezer-friendly due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and stay juicier, though they may be slightly fattier.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of extra Parmesan to help thicken the sauce. Just note it will be less rich.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead. You can also toss in roasted vegetables for variety.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding the cheese and cream. Stir constantly and avoid boiling the sauce.

Is it okay to make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the components ahead—cook the pasta and chicken, then assemble and heat everything together just before serving.

Can I add spice?

Of course. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne will give the dish a subtle heat without overpowering the creamy flavors.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Creamy Comfort?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight, you might enjoy these other indulgent dinner recipes:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
• Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with a spicy twist and smoky depth.
• Baked Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for a cozy one-dish meal.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Pasta for meat lovers with a soft spot for pasta.
• Mushroom Spinach Alfredo with earthy, rich vegetarian appeal.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a touch of spice or switch up the pasta shape?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence!

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