Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce — this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is for you. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s simple to make yet feels indulgent enough for a special dinner. Plus, with a touch of fresh greens, it becomes a complete meal in every bite.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish a must-try!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine works best)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin slices)
- ¼ cup flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crispiness)
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup olive oil (for cooking, plus extra if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 bunch kale (chopped, or substitute with spinach)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your pasta:
Substitutions:
- Chicken → Swap with shrimp, turkey, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy Cream → Use half-and-half, coconut milk, or a mix of cream cheese & milk for a different texture.
- Parmesan Cheese → Try pecorino romano or gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
- Pasta → Use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta as an alternative.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Veggies – Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Lighter Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a healthier sauce.
- Bacon Lovers – Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
- Herb Upgrade – Finish with fresh basil or parsley for a restaurant-style touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
- Roughly chop the kale, slice the garlic, and grate the parmesan cheese.
- Cut each chicken breast into thin slices. If any pieces are too thick, slice them in half. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano.
- Dip each chicken piece in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the garlic slices for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in a tablespoon of flour and cook for another minute to remove the raw taste.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer.
- Once slightly thickened, add the half and half and parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until smooth.
Step 6: Add Kale and Pasta
- Stir in the kale, adding it a handful at a time and letting it wilt before adding more.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and toss gently to combine, or serve the chicken on top of the pasta for extra crispness.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan before serving.
🔝 Top Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Want to make this dish absolutely perfect? Here are some pro tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, parmesan, and heavy cream make a huge difference in flavor. Avoid pre-grated cheese, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Season in Layers – Season your chicken before cooking, taste the sauce while simmering, and adjust salt and pepper before serving for a well-balanced dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook your pasta al dente (slightly firm) so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water – Save about ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. It also helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil the Sauce – High heat can cause the cream to separate. Keep the heat low to medium while making the sauce.
- Add Cheese Off Heat – Stir in parmesan after removing the pan from heat to prevent a grainy texture.
Equipment
- Non-Stick Pan: Helps prevent the breading from sticking.
- Tongs: Perfect for tossing the pasta in the sauce without breaking the noodles.
📦 How to Store & Reheat Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your dish while keeping it creamy and delicious!
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Let the pasta cool before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Freezing:
- This dish can be frozen, but the sauce may separate slightly.
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up slowly on the stovetop with extra cream or milk.
Reheating Tips:
- Stovetop (Best Option): Add a splash of milk or broth and heat over low-medium heat while stirring.
- Microwave: Use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds to prevent drying out.
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is key to the flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
This dish is best cooked on the stovetop to maintain the crispiness of the chicken and the richness of the sauce.
Why isn’t my sauce creamy enough?
If you want a richer sauce, swap half and half for heavy cream, or add a little cream cheese.
Can I use just milk?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. Half and half strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness.
More Pasta Dishes to Try
📖 Recipe
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:The Best 30 Minute Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is for You. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s simple to make yet feels indulgent enough for a special dinner— If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin slices)
- ¼ cup flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 bunch kale (chopped)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the kale, slice the garlic, and grate the parmesan cheese. Cut the chicken into thin slices and season with salt.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano.
- Dip each chicken piece in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for about 2 minutes. Stir in a tablespoon of flour, then slowly whisk in chicken broth. Simmer.
- Add half and half and parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Stir in kale until wilted, then toss in the cooked pasta to coat.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add back to the pan or serve on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic, parmesan, and half and half for the best results. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy garlic, parmesan, comfort food
🥄 Conclusion: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite
There you have it — Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s easy to make yet luxurious enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it out, and don’t forget to sprinkle on extra parmesan for that final touch of cheesy goodness!
creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal — it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving guests at a gathering, this pasta never fails to impress. The rich, velvety sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can stick with the classic version, or get creative with substitutions and add-ins to make it your own. Plus, the simple steps and quick cooking time make it perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, the next time you’re craving something indulgent, give this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and your loved ones will be asking for seconds. Enjoy!
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