If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is for you! Our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Juicy Grilled Chicken is rich, flavorful, and ready to impress your family or guests. This creamy chicken pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Tender grilled chicken meets silky, garlicky, cheesy pasta for the ultimate dinner combination.

If you’re craving comfort food, creamy chicken pasta is always a winning choice.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta

This recipe is a winner because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Our creamy chicken pasta recipe combines garlic Parmesan sauce with juicy grilled chicken.
The sauce is luxuriously creamy without being heavy, the garlic and Parmesan add bold flavor, and the grilled chicken brings protein-packed heartiness. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it for a cozy family dinner, meal prep for the week, or even at a dinner party. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. This creamy chicken pasta dish is rich, flavorful, and easy to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a complete list of ingredients to make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or spaghetti (or pasta of choice)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Grilled Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms

• 1 cup spinach or kale

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

These add-ins can bring extra flavor, texture, and nutrients to your creamy chicken pasta.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To prepare this dish smoothly, it’s helpful to have:

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Medium skillet or grill pan for chicken

• Saucepan for the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce

• Tongs or spatula for flipping chicken

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Grater for fresh Parmesan

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drizzle olive oil over them, then season generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken for full flavor. Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes while you heat up your grill pan or skillet.

 Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the chicken breasts onto the hot pan and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust on the outside and a juicy inside. Once cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C), remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the juices inside so the chicken stays tender.

Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is grilling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. The starchy water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn it!). Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a smooth, velvety sauce. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Toss with tongs until every strand is coated in creamy goodness. If you’re using optional add-ins like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes, fold them in at this stage.

Slice and Serve the Chicken

Slice the rested grilled chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Plate your creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, then top with juicy slices of grilled chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!

For a quick yet indulgent meal, nothing beats creamy chicken pasta with grilled chicken.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated, which is key for a silky sauce.

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a thermometer to check doneness for best results.

• Save the pasta water: This starchy liquid is perfect for loosening the sauce if it becomes too thick.

• Add veggies: Spinach, broccoli, or peas are great ways to sneak in some extra nutrition.

• Experiment with pasta shapes: Fettuccine works beautifully, but penne or rigatoni hold sauce well too.

• Meal prep tip: Make extra chicken and use it for salads or sandwiches later in the week.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with:

• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

• Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Values may vary depending on ingredients used:

• Calories: ~620 kcal

• Protein: ~38 g

• Carbohydrates: ~50 g

• Fat: ~28 g

• Fiber: ~3 g

• Sugar: ~3 g

• Sodium: ~640 mg

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the pasta portion and add more vegetables.

Why This Creamy Chicken Pasta Stands Out

Many pasta recipes are either too rich or too plain. This one nails the balance by delivering a luscious sauce without overwhelming your taste buds. The grilled chicken provides lean protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying, while the garlic and Parmesan create that irresistible savory depth. It’s a recipe you can always count on—whether cooking for yourself, your family, or guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu can replace chicken in this recipe.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance. Store separately and toss with sauce when reheating to prevent sogginess.

3. What’s the best pasta for creamy chicken pasta?
Fettuccine and linguine are classics, but penne, rigatoni, or shells work just as well because they hold sauce beautifully.

4. Can I freeze this recipe?
The sauce may separate if frozen, but you can freeze the chicken and cooked pasta separately, then remake the sauce fresh.

5. How do I make it spicier?
Add extra chili flakes, or stir in a spoonful of spicy marinara or hot sauce for a kick.

Conclusion – Try This Creamy Chicken Pasta Tonight!

If you’re searching for a meal that’s indulgent yet easy to prepare, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Juicy Grilled Chicken is the answer. It’s comforting, flavorful, and versatile enough to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that irresistible creamy sauce, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your dinner rotation.

So grab your skillet, boil some pasta, and whip up this delicious creamy chicken pasta tonight. Once you take the first bite, you’ll understand why this dish is loved by home cooks and foodies alike!