Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight

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This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight is the ultimate comfort dish. Picture golden, pan-seared chicken bites nestled in a bed of tender pasta, all luxuriously coated in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy, with just the right hint of garlic to awaken your taste buds.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply need a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent, this pasta checks all the boxes. It’s easy enough to whip up after a long day, but flavorful enough to serve on a special occasion. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a crisp salad, and you’re set for a cozy, satisfying meal.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or ziti work best in this dish. Their hollow centers and ridged surfaces hold onto the creamy garlic parmesan sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. Avoid overly delicate or long noodles that may get lost in the rich sauce.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight

Chicken Breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast provides lean, protein-packed bites that brown beautifully in the pan.

Rigatoni Pasta
The pasta’s tubular shape catches the sauce wonderfully and adds a satisfying chew.

Heavy Cream
Creates a rich, silky base for the garlic parmesan sauce.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with bold, savory flavor.

Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, adding depth and a nutty saltiness.

Butter
Used for sautéing the garlic and chicken, enhancing flavor and creaminess.

Olive Oil
Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.

Salt & Black Pepper
Essential seasonings to bring balance and enhance the other ingredients.

Italian Seasoning
A mix of herbs that complements the chicken and pasta beautifully.

Parsley (optional)
For a touch of freshness and a pop of green as garnish.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your rigatoni pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan Cheese

Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with additional parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy that luscious creamy bite!

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight

Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet, paired with garlic bread, a light green salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s indulgent enough to shine on its own, but simple sides make it a well-rounded meal.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.

Freezing is not ideal for this dish, as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use a smaller amount of parmesan to reduce richness. You can also opt for grilled chicken instead of seared.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works well. Just add it during the sauce step to warm through before combining with pasta.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli are great additions. Stir them into the sauce right before adding the pasta.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

What other cheese can I use?

Fontina, mozzarella, or Asiago can be used in combination with or instead of parmesan for a different cheesy flavor profile.

How do I avoid a grainy sauce?

Be sure to add the parmesan slowly over low heat and stir continuously to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Creamy Flavor?

If you enjoyed this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta Delight, you’ll definitely want to try these comforting meals too:

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne for an extra veggie kick.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta when you crave bold spice and seafood.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a garlicky butter twist.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you’re in the mood for a vegetarian spin.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for layers of indulgent flavor.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add veggies or go all in on the cheese? Did you try a different pasta shape?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook more deliciously!

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