Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Q: Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe, or does it *have* to be freshly grated?

While you *can* use pre-shredded parmesan, freshly grated really does make a difference! Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can hinder its melting ability and affect the sauce's texture. Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly and has a much richer, more pronounced flavour that complements the garlic beautifully. It's a bit like using proper cheddar in a cheese toastie – it just *hits* different.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Weeknight Winner!

By Amara Vitalis May 31, 2025

4.65 (34 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Right then, let's dive into something properly delicious. you know those days when you just crave comfort food? something that's easy but feels a bit special? well, i've got you covered.

Ever tried making creamy garlic parmesan chicken ? oh my gosh, you're in for a treat! it's the perfect blend of creamy, garlicky, and cheesy goodness that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Why This Chicken Pasta is a Game Changer

This isn't your average chicken dish. it's got that italian flair, but without all the fuss. the recipe has roots in classic italian american cooking.

Think of it like a warm hug from nonna, but in a pasta bowl. this creamy garlic chicken pasta easy is a doddle to make.

It's ready in about 25 minutes, feeds four hungry souls, and the best part? minimal washing up!

Big Flavors, Big Benefits: Your New Favourite Dinner

The creamy parmesan sauce is a taste sensation. it's a fantastic source of protein too! it's a great source of vitamin b, and is amazing for bone health.

This dish is amazing for a weeknight treat. what makes it special? honestly, it's the simplicity. a few basic ingredients come together to create something truly amazing.

Forget boring dinners, this italian chicken pasta is where it's at! it's a great addition to your chicken pasta dinner ideas !

What You'll Need

Ready to get cooking? Here's what you'll need to gather:

Pasta: 285g of your favourite shape. I love penne or fettuccine.
Chicken: 450g boneless, skinless chicken, cubed.
Butter: 60g, unsalted.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
Seasoning: Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (optional).
Flour: Just a tablespoon to thicken things up.
Chicken Broth: 120ml for that lovely base.
Cream: 240ml of heavy cream, because, why not?
Cheese: 50g grated parmesan and 115g cream cheese.
Nutmeg: A tiny pinch for warmth.
Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish.

Let's Get Saucy: The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens. picture this: garlic sizzling in butter, infused with herbs and then enveloped in a creamy, cheesy embrace.

If you are a fan of garlic parmesan sauce for pasta then this is the one for you. it’s the kind of sauce you'll want to lick off the plate (go on, i won't judge!).

Making this sauce is the key to turning your weeknight chicken pasta recipe into a star. if you have any parmesan lover in your friend circle, then they'll tell you this fettuccine chicken alfredo can be very good.

Right, now that we've got the intro sorted, next up, how to nail this recipe like a pro!

Alright, let's talk ingredients and what bits and bobs you'll need. we're making creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta so it's gotta be good, yeah? this isn’t just any pasta; it’s a weeknight chicken pasta recipe that tastes like you slaved over it.

Ingredients: The A-Team

First things first, let's gather our troops. You'll need:

Pasta: 10 ounces (285g) of your favourite shape. I like penne, but fettuccine works amazing too. This will be a key component for our Italian chicken pasta .
Chicken: 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins, cubed. Make sure your chicken looks nice and pink and fresh.

And for that banging garlic parmesan sauce for pasta , grab:

Butter: 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, because butter makes everything better, innit?
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Honestly, measure with your heart. If you love garlic, chuck in more!
Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon . The secret weapon.
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon . For that authentic Italian chicken pasta vibe.
Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon . More garlic, more better.
Red pepper flakes: ⅛ teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick.
All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon . To thicken things up nicely.
Chicken broth: ½ cup (120ml) . Gives it some depth, you know?
Heavy cream (double cream): 1 cup (240ml) . Essential for that creamy texture. I have been caught on a diet because of this!
Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50g) , grated. Freshly grated, mind you. Don't be using that powdery stuff from a jar. Get the real stuff.
Cream cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , room temperature. This is key for the sauce to blend properly!
Nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon . Just a hint. Trust me on this one.
Parsley: 2 tablespoons , fresh and chopped. For garnish, makes it look proper fancy.

Seasoning: The Spice is Right

Seasoning is where the magic happens. we are aiming for that perfect creamy garlic parmesan chicken taste. salt and pepper are a must, of course.

I use coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

And for the spice combo? you're already sorted with the italian seasoning and oregano. but don't be afraid to chuck in a pinch of cayenne pepper if you're feeling brave.

Honestly, it is amazing, it adds that amazing kick!

Kit: Sorted!

Right, let's get your cooking station sorted. You won't need much for this creamy garlic chicken pasta easy to make meal:

A large pot for the pasta. You probably already have one.
A large sauté pan or skillet. For the chicken and sauce.
A colander. To drain the pasta, obviously.
And the usual bits and bobs like a chopping board, knife, measuring cups and spoons.

If you ain't got a sauté pan, a large frying pan will do the job. You know, improvise! Let’s get cracking on this Parmesan chicken pasta recipe !

Okay, lets get cooking! forget fancy, we're doing creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, the ultimate quick win. honestly, this recipe is so good, it’s basically criminal how easy it is.

Ready to wow your mates (or yourself!) with a knockout weeknight chicken pasta recipe ? let's do it!

Prep Like a Pro!

Mise en place, darlings! it sounds fancy, but it just means "everything in its place." chop your garlic. cube your chicken.

Get all your ingredients ready. trust me, it makes the cooking process so much smoother. time saving angelosoni? get those ingredients out before you even think about turning on the hob.

Safety first! Handling raw chicken? Wash your hands, surfaces, everything afterwards. No one wants a dodgy tummy, yeah?

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step!

Cook your pasta according to the package. Drain but keep a little bit of the pasta water. About ½ cup. This starchy water is liquid gold!
Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add your cubed chicken with ¼ tsp of salt and ¼ tsp of pepper. Cook it! Should be a golden brown colour and reach an internal temp of 165° F/ 74° C . Set it aside.
Melt the rest of the butter. 3 tbsp. Add the minced garlic, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Sauté for about a minute you want that garlicky smell.
Stir in 1 tbsp of flour. Cook for a minute. Whisk in ½ cup of chicken broth until smooth.
Add 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of parmesan cheese, 4 oz of cream cheese, and ⅛ tsp of nutmeg. Stir it all together until smooth. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce. Add a splash of that saved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Garnish with parsley and more red pepper flakes. Dig in!

Secret Chef Tips!

Want to take your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta to the next level? add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the sauce.

A common mistake is burning the garlic. keep the heat low and stir often. fancy a make-ahead option? cook the pasta and chicken separately and store them in the fridge.

Then, just make the sauce and combine everything when you're ready to eat. honestly, this creamy garlic chicken pasta easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

This easy italian chicken pasta recipe is a game changer! so, go on, give it a whirl and enjoy this bowl of creamy chicken pasta with parmesan cheese.

This dish is perfect for all the family! think of this as a one-pan chicken parmesan pasta .

Right then, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this stonking creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe. honestly, even i get a bit overwhelmed sometimes looking at recipes online! so, i'm going to keep this nice and simple.

Think of it like getting the lowdown from your best mate over a cuppa.

Recipe Notes: Your Pointers For Success

These are my little nuggets of wisdom that make this recipe a proper winner! It’s all about those little tweaks that turn good food into great food.

Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Delicious!

Right, so you've made this amazing pasta dish, and the aroma of Garlic Parmesan sauce for pasta is filling the air now what?

Plating like a Pro . Pile that creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta high in a bowl! Don’t be shy with the parsley! Maybe a sprinkle of extra parmesan? Adds a bit of poshness, innit?

Side dishes . this italian chicken pasta is banging on its own. but, a side salad cuts through the richness nicely.

Some garlic bread is always a crowd pleaser, especially for soaking up that sauce.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Bruv!

Life's busy and knowing how to keep leftovers is essential, innit?

Refrigeration . stick any leftover creamy chicken pasta with parmesan cheese in an airtight container. it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You know, good for lunches or a quick reheat!

Reheating . when you are ready for round two, warm it in the microwave. alternatively, heat it gently in a pan with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Don't overcook it or the chicken will dry out.

Variations: Your Recipe, Your Rules!

Not everyone eats the same, so a bit of customisation is key! i have seen more and more parmesan chicken pasta recipe coming out, but you can play with this recipe to add your personal touch.

Dietary adaptations . for a lighter version of this weeknight chicken pasta recipe , use half fat cream cheese. you can swap the heavy cream for a lighter option.

Or if you're avoiding gluten, simply use gluten-free pasta. done and dusted!

Seasonal Swaps . In the summer, chuck in some sun-dried tomatoes for a bit of zing. Come autumn, some roasted butternut squash or some mushrooms would be lush.

Nutrition Basics: Good Food, Good Mood

I'm no dietitian, but here's a quick rundown. this quick garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is a decent source of protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese.

But it's also quite rich due to the cream. everything in moderation, right?

So there you have it, my friend! i hope these recipe notes boost your confidence to whip up a proper creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta dish.

Don’t be scared to have a go. grab your apron, whack on some tunes, and get cooking! honestly, you'll nail it and maybe find your new favourite chicken pasta dinner idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken sauce from being too thick? It's like wallpaper paste!

Ah, the dreaded thick sauce! The best way to thin out your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken sauce is to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. The starch in the pasta water helps to loosen it up and create a lovely, silky consistency. You can also add a little extra chicken broth if you don't have pasta water.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time? Is it alright to reheat it?

While it's best served fresh, you can definitely make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

Microwaving is fine, but a gentle simmer on the stovetop is even better for maintaining the creamy texture. Think of it like reheating leftovers from a Sunday roast handle with care!

What's the best way to store leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the chicken and pasta are cooled down before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken will generally keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Always use your best judgment and discard if there's any unusual odor or appearance.

Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe, or does it have to be freshly grated?

While you can use pre-shredded parmesan, freshly grated really does make a difference! Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can hinder its melting ability and affect the sauce's texture.

Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly and has a much richer, more pronounced flavour that complements the garlic beautifully. It's a bit like using proper cheddar in a cheese toastie it just hits different.

I'm trying to watch my weight - are there any healthier substitutions I can make in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe?

Absolutely! You can lighten things up without sacrificing too much flavour. Try using half and-half instead of heavy cream for the sauce, and use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a bit more fibre. You could also reduce the amount of butter used and opt for chicken breast instead of tenderloins.

For an even healthier twist, add some steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrients. It's all about finding a balance that works for you!

What other proteins can I use instead of chicken in this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe?

If you're not feeling chicken, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce works beautifully with other proteins. Shrimp (prawns) are a fantastic and quick cooking option. You could also use sliced Italian sausage for a heartier flavour.

For a vegetarian twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers and zucchini. It's a very adaptable recipe, so feel free to get creative and use what you have on hand!