What is the best way to make garlic parmesan chicken pasta creamy?

The secret to a creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is in the sauce. Use heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan—not pre-shredded. Stir the cheese in slowly over low heat to prevent clumping. Also, adding a splash of reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and coat the noodles perfectly. Don’t skip the butter—it adds a silky finish.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in a garlic parmesan pasta recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken in your garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe saves time and still delivers flavor. Simply shred the meat and add it after the sauce is complete. This shortcut works especially well if you’re looking for a quick, easy dinner or a great meal prep chicken pasta option.

What type of pasta works best with garlic parmesan chicken?

While you can use almost any pasta, the best types for a garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe are short, ridged pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni. These shapes hold the creamy garlic parmesan sauce well. However, fettuccine or linguine also work beautifully for a restaurant-style presentation.

Is garlic parmesan chicken pasta spicy?

Not at all! The traditional garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is savory, creamy, and comforting—with no heat. But if you like spice, it’s easy to add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or even buffalo sauce to give it a kick. Some people love creating a spicy garlic parmesan chicken pasta twist using these spicy add-ins.

How do I store and reheat leftover garlic parmesan chicken pasta?

To store your garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and warm it slowly in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain creaminess. If you're freezing it, divide into individual portions for easy weekday lunches.

Can I make garlic parmesan chicken pasta in a crockpot or Instant Pot?

Yes, this recipe is easily adaptable! In the Crockpot , cook the chicken, garlic, and broth for several hours, then add cooked pasta and cheese toward the end. In the Instant Pot , use sauté mode for garlic and chicken, then pressure cook with pasta and finish with cream and parmesan. Both methods still deliver a rich, creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with less hands-on work.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe – 30-Minute Delicious Family Dinner

Description

Tender chicken and al dente pasta tossed in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, made with pantry staples and ready in under an hour. Perfect comfort food with endless add-in possibilities!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced or thinly sliced)
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (to taste)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

Optional Add-Ins:

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
2 cups spinach or kale
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
½ cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon lemon juice or zest
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Drizzle of buffalo sauce (for a TikTok-inspired twist)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then set pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, 5–7 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed.
Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).
Pour in heavy cream and stir gently. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Gradually whisk in Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.

Step 4: Combine & Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat.
Add pasta and toss everything together.
Mix in any optional veggies (like spinach or tomatoes) and allow them to wilt or warm through.
Finish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and more cheese if desired.

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded. It also avoids graininess.
Don’t overcook garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned.
Reserve pasta water is your best friend for adjusting sauce thickness.
Use thighs for juicier chicken, or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add buffalo sauce or crushed red pepper for a spicy twist.
This pasta reheats well—just loosen with a splash of milk or broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course, Pasta
Method: Sautéed, Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American