Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed); Chopped parsley for garnish

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If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that feels at home both on a weeknight table or a special occasion spread, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken absolutely delivers. Succulent chicken breasts, golden and juicy from a quick sear, cozy up next to silky fettuccine coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Every bite is triple-threat tasty: savory, creamy, and just a touch peppery, all finished with a flourish of fresh parsley. Whether you’re cooking for your family or pulling out all the stops for a dinner date, this is the kind of dish that’ll earn you high fives and second helpings.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: just a handful of no-fuss ingredients that each have a starring role in the finished dish. Here’s what you’ll need to create the dreamy layers of flavor, luscious texture, and inviting color that make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken irresistibly good.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken provides juicy protein and soaks up the seasoning perfectly.
Salt and black pepper: These essentials bring out the natural savoriness in both your chicken and pasta.
Italian seasoning: A quick shake adds depth with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil.
Olive oil: Helps achieve that flavorful, golden-brown sear on your chicken.
Pasta: Fettuccine holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but any favorite shape works here.
Butter: Adds richness and gives the sauce its signature silky texture.
Garlic: Four fresh cloves build an aromatic, irresistible foundation.
Heavy cream: The key to a velvety, decadent sauce that hugs every noodle.
Parmesan cheese: Choose freshly grated for melt-in-your-mouth results and maximum flavor.
Garlic powder: Boosts that bold garlicky flavor so the sauce really sings.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Toss in a pinch for a subtle kick of heat if you love a touch of spice.
Reserved pasta water: Perfect for adjusting sauce consistency to your liking—a little goes a long way!
Chopped parsley: Sprinkled over the top, it adds freshness and vibrant color to every plate.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, which helps the seasonings cling and the meat sear up golden. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, pressing gently so everything sticks. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, and once it shimmers, lay the chicken in the pan. Give them 5 to 6 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them too much—this is how you build that beautifully savory crust. When they’re done, set the chicken aside on a plate to rest; this ensures juicy, flavorful slices later.

Step 2: Cook Your Pasta

While the chicken works its magic, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your fettuccine and cook until just al dente, following package directions. Right before you drain, dip out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water—this will help make your sauce gloriously silky. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken (don’t clean it—you want every bit of that flavor!), lower the heat to medium and melt in the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two until it’s fragrant but not browned. Next, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a hint of heat. Let the sauce bubble gently, stirring often, until it’s smooth, just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and unbelievably aromatic.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Slice Chicken

Add the drained pasta right into the creamy sauce, tossing to coat every strand. If the sauce feels too thick, add your reserved pasta water a splash at a time, stirring, until you reach the perfect consistency. Slice the rested chicken breasts thinly—on a slight diagonal makes for an impressive look—and place them atop the glistening pasta.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Scatter chopped parsley over everything for brightness and color, and pass around extra grated Parmesan at the table. Each plate of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken is a restaurant-worthy masterpiece—fragrant, creamy, and beautifully balanced with both richness and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken

Garnishes

The finishing touches make the meal: pile on extra Parmesan for cheesy drama and a flurry of fresh parsley for flecks of color and a hit of herby freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a light dusting of lemon zest if you want to amp up the flavor profile just a bit more.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta loves simple, crisp sides. Think a tangy arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or classic garlic bread. These options balance out the richness of the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn dinner into an experience? Serve this pasta family-style in a big, shallow platter with the sliced chicken arrayed neatly across the top, or plate individual servings with a dramatic swoosh of sauce and an artful scatter of fresh herbs. Feeling fancy? Tuck in some blistered cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for a chef’s twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare, honestly), let them cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken in the refrigerator—everything stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days.

Freezing

To freeze, portion out the chicken and pasta separately to help maintain texture. Wrap tightly or use freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. For best flavor and creaminess, enjoy within two months—and remember, creamy sauces can separate a bit after thawing but will come back together with a gentle stir and a splash of cream.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, warm the pasta and chicken gently over low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or cream and a little pasta water if you saved it, stirring constantly to restore that dreamy sauce. The microwave works too—just use short bursts and stir in between to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape than fettuccine?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic and holds the creamy sauce beautifully, you can use any pasta you have on hand—penne, linguine, or even spaghetti are all wonderful choices for this recipe.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein. The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken sauce alone is hearty, so it’s a fantastic vegetarian main with just a quick substitution.

What’s the secret to getting the sauce so creamy?

The magic lies in the combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, a touch of pasta water, and patience. Let the sauce simmer but not boil, and always add cheese off the heat to keep it from getting grainy or separating.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted broccoli fold in beautifully—just stir them into the sauce with the pasta or serve alongside for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

If you prefer a lighter version, swap half the heavy cream for whole milk and use a moderate amount of Parmesan. The pasta water will help keep everything creamy without all the richness of a full cream sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them reaching for seconds. With its tender chicken, luscious sauce, and just the right flourish of garlic and herbs, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to anytime you crave cozy, crowd-pleasing flavor. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent and satisfying meal with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta featuring succulent pan-seared chicken. This Italian-American inspired dish is rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest.
Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve pasta water.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Add cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in sauce. Use pasta water to adjust consistency. Top with sliced chicken, parsley, and extra Parmesan.