Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Comforting Weeknight Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you crave a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together quickly, this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect answer. Juicy, golden chicken pieces tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce with tender pasta — it’s pure comfort in a bowl. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. I once made this using penne instead of fettuccine, and it worked wonderfully — the sauce coated every piece of pasta perfectly. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights but elegant enough for a dinner with guests. Best of all, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs – Boneless and skinless chicken works best. Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, while thighs add extra juiciness.

Pasta – Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are great choices. The sauce clings well to any pasta shape.

Parmesan cheese – The star of the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and melts smoothly into the cream.

Heavy cream – Creates a rich, velvety texture for the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.

Garlic – Adds depth and aroma to the creamy sauce. Use fresh minced garlic for the most flavor.

Butter – Provides richness and helps sauté the garlic while adding a silky mouthfeel to the sauce.

Olive oil – Used to sear the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden crust without drying it out.

Chicken broth – Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce slightly without diluting the flavor.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the creamy sauce.

Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the overall flavor.

Parsley – Fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Red pepper flakes (optional) – A pinch adds a subtle heat that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt an additional tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can cause the sauce to separate. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but still delicious the next day.

Variations and Customizations

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Add extra garlic for a more pronounced flavor — perfect for garlic lovers.

Spinach and Mushroom Parmesan Pasta
Toss in sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Lemon Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest before serving for a bright, tangy twist.

Bacon Parmesan Pasta
Stir in crispy bacon pieces for a smoky, savory addition.

Broccoli Parmesan Pasta
Add steamed or roasted broccoli florets to make it a complete one-pan meal.

Shrimp Parmesan Pasta
Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation that’s just as creamy and flavorful.

Vegan Parmesan Pasta
Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.

Spicy Parmesan Pasta
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for a subtle kick.

Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Pasta
Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy burst of flavor.

Cheesy Parmesan Bake
Transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly and golden.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For best results, use whole milk and add a bit more Parmesan.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are all great — they hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan and broth are gluten-free.

How can I make it lighter?

Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat version.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely — spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or peas all complement the creamy sauce perfectly.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat gently and toss with fresh-cooked pasta before serving.

What type of Parmesan should I use?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smoother, richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce longer or stir in a little extra Parmesan to achieve your desired thickness.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, simply stir it into the sauce at the end and heat through.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low after adding the cream and cheese, and stir continuously for a smooth texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything a comforting meal should be — creamy, rich, and full of flavor, yet simple enough for any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky Parmesan sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly. Whether you serve it as a quick family dinner or a special occasion meal, it’s guaranteed to satisfy every craving and earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

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