If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food, then this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how rich, buttery, and garlicky the sauce turns out, and you’ll find that it comes together faster than you expect — perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for guests. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Easy: Ready in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The sauce balances garlic, cream, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon for brightness.
Juicy Chicken: Lightly coated and pan-fried to keep it tender and flavorful.
Family Favorite: My crew goes absolutely crazy for this meal, and yours will too.

The image shows two bowls of creamy chicken pasta placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl is filled with creamy white sauce-coated pasta strands intertwined with small pieces of light golden cooked chicken. The pasta is topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and fresh green parsley leaves scattered over the dish. One bowl in the foreground features two golden brown toasted bread pieces resting against the edge. The bowls are beige with a speckled pattern and a spoon is visible inside the bowl closer to the camera. The overall look is warm and inviting, with soft textures and subtle color contrasts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, easy creamy chicken pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta recipe, quick chicken pasta dinner, comforting creamy pasta dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays an important role in creating that creamy, garlicky magic – from the simple linguine to the tangy lemon juice that wakes up the sauce. Picking quality Parmesan and fresh parsley really lifts the dish to the next level.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked linguine pasta strands, three plump raw chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces, a small bowl of fine cornflour, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small peeled yellow onion finely chopped, three whole garlic cloves peeled, a small white bowl with golden cooking oil, a small white bowl filled with rich heavy cream, a small white bowl of bright yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl with strong chicken stock, a small mound of finely grated parmesan cheese, a small bunch of fresh green parsley sprigs, a small white bowl of coarse black pepper, and a small pile of salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, easy creamy chicken pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta recipe, quick chicken pasta dinner, comforting creamy pasta dish

Linguine: I love linguine for its perfect surface area to hold the creamy sauce, but you can swap with fettuccine or spaghetti if you like.
Chicken breasts: Chopped into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly; I usually buy skinless for a leaner meal.
Cornflour (cornstarch): This coats the chicken beautifully, helping lock in juices and give a slight crisp on the outside.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings; I always salt and pepper both chicken and the sauce layers separately for balanced flavor.
Garlic powder: Added to the chicken for an extra garlic punch before cooking fresh garlic in the sauce.
Oil: Just a few tablespoons to pan-fry the chicken – I usually use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
Small onion: Finely chopped and sautéed to add sweetness and depth to the sauce, soft but not browned.
Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for that fresh, aromatic hit – never skip fresh garlic here!
Strong chicken stock: Gives the sauce a savory base; homemade is fantastic, but a good quality stock cube dissolved in water works great too.
Double (heavy) cream: This makes the sauce luscious and silky; if you want it lighter, half-and-half works, but the texture changes a bit.
Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens the richness beautifully and balances the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated and stirred in until melty – buying a block and grating fresh makes all the difference.
Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for garnish; it adds color and a slight herbal freshness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like playing around with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. The beauty is you can easily add your own twist without losing that creamy, comforting vibe.

Vegetable Boost: Once, I tossed in some baby spinach and cherry tomatoes in the last minute, which gave a fresh pop without overpowering the sauce.
Spicy Kick: If you love some heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic — it’s a game-changer!
Cheese Swap: Feel free to use pecorino romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor or add mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Gluten-Free: Swap linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta — the sauce is rich enough to carry all pasta types.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Prep Chicken

Start by boiling your linguine according to package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy cooking water before you drain — this little trick helps you adjust sauce consistency later. While the pasta cooks, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornflour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to coat. This keeps your chicken juicy with a tasty slight crust after frying.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat oil over medium heat in a large frying pan. When shimmering hot, add the coated chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through. I usually test a piece by cutting it to make sure there’s no pink inside — no one wants undercooked chicken! Once done, set the chicken aside in a warm bowl.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

If there’s not enough oil left in the pan, add a splash more. Toss in your finely chopped onion and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes. You’re aiming for soft and translucent, not browned. Then add the minced garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper; cook for just a minute until fragrant — garlic burns fast, so keep an eye here!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock and double cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for about 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice for that perfect hint of brightness that cuts through all the creaminess.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken & Cheese

Add the cooked linguine right into the pan with your sauce, then sprinkle over that beautiful freshly grated Parmesan. Using tongs, toss and lift the pasta so every strand gets luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add splashes of your reserved pasta water — it’s magic for loosening without watering down flavor. Lastly, fold the cooked chicken back in and heat for another minute to get everything perfectly warm.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Divide the pasta among bowls and top with a good handful of chopped fresh parsley plus an extra sprinkle of black pepper and Parmesan. The parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh contrast to that rich sauce — trust me, it’s worth it.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Even Chicken Pieces: Cutting the chicken into uniform bite-size pieces ensures everything cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t underestimate the power of pasta water—the starch helps bind the sauce and pasta perfectly without thinning.
Gentle Simmer for Sauce: Simmer cream sauce gently to avoid curdling and to get that silky smooth finish every time.
Grate Parmesan Fresh: Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated keeps the sauce creamy and melts beautifully without clumping.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of creamy pasta shows thick spaghetti strands coated in a smooth, light beige sauce. Mixed in are small chunks of grilled light brown chicken, with specks of black pepper and green parsley leaves scattered on top. A white piece of bread with a golden-brown crust rests on the side of the plate. A black fork is twirling some noodles and chicken. The plate has a rustic look with a speckled edge and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, easy creamy chicken pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta recipe, quick chicken pasta dinner, comforting creamy pasta dish

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of black pepper and Parmesan cheese. The parsley adds a fresh, bright flavor and makes the dish look inviting, while the extra cheese is just an irresistible finish. Sometimes, I slide in a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a bit of sheen and richness on top.

Side Dishes

On the side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements this creamy pasta perfectly. Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta is also something my family loves to scoop up every last bit of sauce. For veggies, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus are my go-to light and tasty choices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a little extra fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for guests to squeeze if they like more zing. Another fun idea is layering some crispy prosciutto on top to add texture and a smoky touch. I’ve even made mini baked versions in ramekins topped with extra cheese for a special twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they usually keep well for 2-3 days. The pasta can soak up the sauce a bit, so sometimes it thickens — nothing a small splash of cream or milk can fix when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing creamy pasta dishes can be a little tricky because cream sauces can separate. If you want to freeze this, freeze the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce, then gently reheat and combine. It’s still tasty but best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave for best texture; this method keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine is my favorite because of its width and ability to hold the sauce, feel free to use fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
What can I do if I don’t have double (heavy) cream on hand?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of butter for richness, but keep in mind the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. To thicken, simmer a little longer or add a small sprinkle of cornflour mixed with water.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken pieces should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through with no pink inside when cut. Cooking for 6-7 minutes over medium heat usually does the trick, but if you’re unsure, you can check with a meat thermometer (165°F / 74°C internal temperature) or cut into a larger piece to check.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with browned mushrooms, tofu cubes, or chickpeas for protein. Keep the garlic Parmesan sauce the same, and you’ll still have a creamy, comforting meal that’s full of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is actually simple and quick to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, I always know this recipe will satisfy hungry appetites and bring smiles around the table. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll soon become your next “go-to” recipe that you’ll want to share just like I did with you today.