The aroma of garlic simmering in butter fills the kitchen as you prepare a comforting bowl of pasta, ready to whip up a delightful weekday meal. The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and a flavor-packed sauce. In just about 30 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dinner option that’s sure to satisfy your cravings every week.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to present a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for families and anyone looking for a satisfying dinner, you can even prep some components in advance, such as dicing the onions and mincing the garlic, ensuring a quicker assembly when you’re ready to cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken pieces coated in aromatic spices give every bite exceptional flavor.
- The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the fettuccine, providing a luscious texture.
- It’s a one-skillet meal, reducing cleanup time after dinner.
- Quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy evenings.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to prepare this delicious pasta dish.
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for searing chicken)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for pasta water)
For the Sauce
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh spinach; optional: cherry tomatoes; optional: extra Parmesan & parsley for garnish
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken breasts can be replaced with thighs.
- Fettuccine may be swapped for penne or spaghetti.
- Heavy cream could be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Pecorino Romano is optional; use extra Parmesan instead.
How to Make It
Follow these steps to create your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta.
1. Prepare Chicken
Pat chicken dry, cut into 1-inch pieces. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt; toss to coat.
2. Chop Aromatics
Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop fresh parsley.
3. Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add coarse sea salt, then cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente.
4. Reserve Pasta Water
Reserve 1 to 1.5 cups of starchy pasta water before draining the rest of the pasta. Do not rinse.
5. Sear Chicken
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer seared chicken to a plate, leaving any browned bits in the pan.
6. Sauté Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and olive oil to the skillet. Sauté diced onion for 5-7 minutes until soft, scraping up browned bits.
7. Add Garlic
Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
8. Deglaze
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up remaining browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
9. Introduce Cream
Stir in heavy cream and another 1/2 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
10. Stir in Cheeses
Remove from heat. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan and optional Pecorino Romano until melted and smooth.
11. Season Sauce
Season the sauce to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
12. Combine & Toss
Return seared chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
13. Adjust Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 Tbsp at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
14. Stir in Parsley & Optional Add-ins
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and any optional add-ins like fresh spinach (cook until wilted).
15. Serve
Adjust final seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, cream sauce doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: Microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure chicken is cooked in batches for even searing.
- Avoid rinsing pasta to keep the starch, which thickens the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning only after adding cheese for best flavor.
- Keep the sauce on low heat to prevent it from scorching.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty garlic bread for a comforting meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a special touch.
