Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s pure comfort yet delivers restaurant-level flavor on a cozy weeknight, you simply have to try Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Each bite wraps you in velvety cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta—all subtly kissed by the warmth of garlic and Italian herbs. This is the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table, makes leftovers (if any!) a hot commodity, and guarantees compliments. It’s easy enough for a family dinner but feels special enough for a date night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you don’t need a long grocery list; it’s about smart, flavor-packed staples. Every ingredient matters—each one brings a delicious chapter to the story, from the savory chicken to the flood of cheesy, garlic goodness.

• Chicken Breasts (1 lb, boneless, sliced): Slicing your chicken creates more surface area for flavor and ensures quick, even cooking.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Gives your chicken a gorgeous golden crust and adds depth to the pan sauce.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Layers more garlicky essence into your chicken before it hits the pan.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): An easy blend that instantly delivers classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Don’t skip seasoning—this simple duo unlocks all the other flavors.
• Butter (3 tbsp): The foundation of a rich, silky sauce—don’t be shy!
• Garlic (5 cloves, minced): The aromatic star; fresh garlic gives you that signature bite and fragrance.
• Flour (2 tbsp): Just enough to thicken the sauce without making it heavy.
• Chicken Broth (1 cup): Brightens and lightens the sauce, making all the flavors sing.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): The key to that luscious, restaurant-style mouthfeel.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Salty, nutty, and absolutely essential for the iconic flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts into long, stretchy strings and creates extra creaminess.
• Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Balances the richness of the sauce and wakes up your taste buds.
• Penne Pasta (12 oz): Tubes that catch every drop of sauce—penne is perfect here.
• Reserved Pasta Water (1/2 cup): The starchy gold that helps bring everything together smoothly.
• Fresh Parsley for Garnish (optional): Adds a pop of bright green and a little herbal freshness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Set a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your penne until it’s perfectly al dente. This means the pasta is just tender with a little bite, which helps it hold up to the creamy sauce later on. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid will help marry the sauce and pasta at the end.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat your sliced chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle generously with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This quick marinade gives the chicken a savory, herby backbone. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, and cook the chicken pieces for a few minutes per side until they’re gorgeously golden and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and keep them warm—the flavor they’ve left behind is about to anchor your sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat and add the butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about one minute, just until it’s fragrant—you want to unlock its sweetness and richness without letting it burn. The kitchen will smell amazing, and this step forms the aromatic backbone of the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over your buttery garlic. Cook and stir for about a minute to form a roux, which acts as a natural thickener. Now, slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once smooth, add the heavy cream and keep stirring as the sauce starts to thicken and become luxurious.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses

Reduce the heat and stir in the grated parmesan and mozzarella, along with black pepper. As the cheeses melt, you’ll see the sauce turn irresistibly gooey and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—you’re looking for a blend that’s rich but not overpowering, with just enough garlic and tang from the cheese.

Step 6: Toss Together and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, followed by your al dente penne and the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, letting that luscious sauce coat every bite. The reserved pasta water helps everything cling together beautifully, making your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken supremely silky.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor to this creamy classic. Don’t hesitate to shower on a bit more parmesan for an extra layer of umami magic right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish loves a simple side—go for a crisp green salad with lemony dressing, roasted asparagus, or even garlicky green beans. If you want bread, a warm baguette or soft garlic bread are perfect for soaking up all the extra creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken into a showstopper by plating it in individual bowls, twirling the pasta high and topping with juicy chicken pieces. Or, for a family-style feast, mound everything onto a serving platter and let everyone dig in. Leftovers can be baked into bubbly casseroles, tucked into wraps, or spooned over roasted veggies for a second act.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply pack any cooled Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you want to store it longer, let the dish cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that creamy sauces can occasionally separate a bit after freezing, but it’s easy to bring everything back together upon reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking and keep things silky smooth. The microwave works, too; just go in 1-minute bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay extra juicy. Just slice them as you would the breasts and cook until fully done before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

Is it possible to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken gluten free?

Yes! Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.

What’s the best way to avoid a lumpy sauce?

The key is to add the chicken broth slowly while whisking constantly, and always start with fully melted butter and cooked flour. This keeps your sauce perfectly smooth and creamy every time.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead for a party?

Definitely. Assemble the sauce and chicken, but hold off on combining with pasta until right before serving. Reheat everything gently, add freshly cooked pasta, and toss together for a just-cooked feel.

How do I make the sauce even richer or lighter?

For extra richness, add a splash of half-and-half or more parmesan. To lighten things up, you can use light cream or swap half the heavy cream for whole milk—the result will still be decadent but slightly less rich.

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly hard to think of a cozier, more crowd-pleasing dinner than Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Just once, and you’ll see why it becomes an instant favorite in so many homes. Don’t be surprised if it starts showing up on your menu every week—happy cooking!

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