If you’re craving a dish that’s effortlessly creamy, packed with bold garlic and cheesy goodness, and topped with tender, juicy chicken, then this Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how this pasta comes together with layers of flavor — from the smoked paprika seasoning on the chicken to the rich, silky sauce made with cream cheese and fresh parmesan. Keep reading, because I promise you’ll want to make this for dinner tonight.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Flavorful: The sauce combines heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan for a decadently smooth finish that’ll wow your taste buds.
Juicy Chicken: The seasoning blend on the chicken keeps it tender and packed with smoky, garlic-y goodness.
Comfort Food Made Easy: This recipe comes together in about an hour, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd.
Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap chicken types or add veggies for your own spin on this classic pasta dish.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish with two visible layers: the base layer is made up of curly, light beige pasta coated in a smooth, creamy white sauce, giving a soft and slightly glossy texture. On top, there are pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken with a slightly crispy surface and white soft inside, scattered unevenly. Small green herb bits are sprinkled over the pasta and chicken, adding a touch of color. The food is in a dish with a silver edge visible, with a spoon partly inside it. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe plays a vital role, from the smoky spices to the fresh herbs. I always recommend using freshly grated parmesan for the richest flavor and the freshest garlic you can find — it makes a noticeable difference!

Chicken Tenderloins: They cook quickly and stay tender; boneless thighs work great too if you want more juiciness.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky layer that amps up the flavor without heat.
Oregano: Earthy and aromatic, it balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
Garlic Powder: Double up on garlic intensity alongside fresh garlic cloves.
Onion Powder: Deepens the savory background notes in the chicken seasoning.
Kosher Salt: Essential for proper seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little kick.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and developing a golden crust.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps soften shallots and garlic.
Shallots: These give a mild onion flavor, perfect for the sauce base.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh and diced, they’re the star that gives the sauce that signature punch.
Thyme Sprigs: Aromatic and fresh, with stems removed to prevent bitterness.
Dry White Wine: This deglazes the pan and adds brightness; if you don’t want alcohol, substitute chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a luxuriously creamy texture.
Chicken Bouillon Paste: Boosts the savory depth of the sauce without extra salt.
Heavy Cream: The foundation of the silky sauce; full-fat for best results.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and body, making the sauce extra indulgent.
Parmesan: Freshly grated, it melts into the sauce and provides that signature cheesy flavor.
Lemon Juice: A splash cuts through the richness and brightens the whole dish.
Hot Sauce: Just a touch to add a subtle heat—optional but recommended.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped to add color and a fresh herbal note at the end.
Pasta: I usually go with fettuccine or linguine, but any kind you have on hand works perfectly.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the final dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes or ingredient stash. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding or swapping out elements—you’ll find it’s incredibly forgiving.

Chicken Type Swap: I often use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite, especially when cooking for my husband who loves richer meat.
Vegetable Boost: Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes takes this dish from good to next-level delicious and boosts the nutrition.
Spice it Up: If you prefer some heat, add more hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives; just adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels—this helps the seasonings stick and promotes a better sear. Toss the chicken in a bowl with smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until a lovely golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the pan and tent with foil to rest—it keeps the chicken juicy for the next step.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base

Using the same skillet (don’t worry, those brown bits stuck to the pan are flavor gold), melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add diced shallots and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant but not browned. Then, toss in the garlic and cook for 2-3 more minutes—this gets that punchy garlic aroma going without burning. Next, stir in fresh thyme sprigs. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and bring that bright acidity to the base.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce and Add Creaminess

Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and chicken bouillon paste, whisking continuously until the mixture forms a thin paste (think white sauce or roux, about 2-4 minutes). Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Add cream cheese and stir gently until melted and incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then lower the heat and let the sauce gently simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes—it should reach a consistency similar to a thick alfredo sauce. Stir in freshly grated parmesan, lemon juice to brighten the richness, hot sauce for a subtle kick, and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Finish the Dish

While your sauce is thickening, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining—that starchy water is your secret weapon if the sauce needs loosening. Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces with their juices into the creamy sauce and fold gently. Pour the sauce over the pasta, toss everything together carefully, and if the sauce feels too thick, add pasta water a little at a time until your preferred consistency is reached. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Dry Your Chicken Well: Patting the chicken completely dry means it will sear beautifully without steaming—this locks in juices.
Don’t Skip the Wine: Even if you’re wary about alcohol, the wine adds acidity and depth that broth alone can’t replicate—just simmer it long enough to cook off the alcohol.
Use Fresh Parmesan: The difference fresh grated cheese makes is night and day; pre-grated won’t melt as smoothly or taste as rich.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor—add gradually until you hit the ideal creamy texture.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe

A close-up view of a large white bowl filled with a creamy pasta dish. The bottom layer is made of short, wavy-edged pasta pieces coated in a smooth, pale yellow sauce. Sitting atop the pasta is a generous layer of sliced cooked chicken pieces, golden brown with slightly crispy edges, showing juicy white inside. The chicken and pasta are sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding small pops of color. Two silver spoons are partially buried in the dish, one centered and the other near the bottom right. The whole scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with an extra sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little more grated parmesan—it adds a fresh pop and a cheesy finish. For special occasions, a few toasted pine nuts give a lovely crunch contrast that my family goes crazy for.

Side Dishes

This garlic parmesan pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic broccoli. I also like serving it alongside warm crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce—you won’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve plated this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of thyme on top and a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You could even serve it in cute mini cast iron skillets for a rustic-chic vibe—trust me, it gets compliments every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up—that way it feels freshly made each time.

Freezing

Freezing creamy pasta sauces can be tricky, but I’ve had good luck freezing this recipe without the pasta mixed in—just freeze the sauce and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat.

Reheating

When reheating, do it slow and low on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little extra cream or milk to keep that sauce silky and smooth. Stir often to avoid scorching and you’ll get almost that fresh-out-of-the-pan taste back.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer fettuccine or linguine for how well they hold the creamy sauce, you can use penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
Is there an easy way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a plant-based cream cheese substitute alongside nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Keep fresh parsley and garlic for the classic taste.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon thickly without running off quickly, similar to a thick alfredo. If it’s thin, cook a little longer to reduce or add more parmesan or flour paste to thicken.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate and season the chicken the day before to save time, and chop your shallots, garlic, and parsley ahead. The sauce is best made fresh, but leftovers reheat beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that instantly transports me back to cozy family dinners. It strikes that perfect balance of comforting creaminess, bold garlic flavor, and juicy chicken bites that everyone loves. I’m excited for you to try it because I know once you do, it’ll become one of your go-tos just like it did for me. Whether it’s a weeknight or a special dinner, whip this up and savor the smiles around your table.