Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken has become my absolute go-to for those nights when I’m craving something incredibly comforting and satisfying, but don’t have a ton of time. I remember the first time I tried making it, I was amazed at how quickly that rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce came together, coating tender chicken and spaghetti perfectly. It smelled like a fancy restaurant meal, and tasted even better! This Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is truly a lifesaver, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken dinner that the whole family devours. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish is a weeknight winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore the incredibly rich and savory flavor profile, making it feel like a gourmet meal without the fuss. It’s astonishingly quick, ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. The comforting combination of tender chicken and pasta drenched in a luscious Garlic Parmesan Chicken creamy sauce is pure bliss. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples to create something truly special. It’s also a huge hit with kids and adults alike, making it a fantastic family-friendly option. You’ll especially love how easily the Garlic Parmesan Chicken creamy sauce clings to every bite of spaghetti.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. You’ll need 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. For that signature flavor, we’ll use 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter for searing. Plenty of fresh flavor comes from 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to season everything perfectly. For the base, grab 8 ounces spaghetti. The magic happens with 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, which create that wonderful sauce. We’ll also need ½ cup reserved pasta water to help emulsify everything beautifully, making this a truly decadent Chicken breast creamy garlic parmesan dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Step 1: First, let’s get started on how to make creamy garlic chicken. Cut your 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels – this helps achieve a beautiful golden sear. Season generously with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I love using a cast-iron skillet for this, as it gets nice and hot. Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. This is key for flavor! Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add your 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Stir in the 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Step 4: While the garlic is sautéing, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti well.
- Step 5: Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and parsley. Stir gently until it’s warm. Gradually whisk in 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and velvety. This is where the magic really happens!
- Step 6: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce coats the spaghetti beautifully and reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently mix it into the pasta and sauce, or simply arrange it over the top. Serve your glorious Garlic Parmesan Chicken skillet creation immediately. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle more parmesan if you like!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Want to elevate your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up:
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded versions have anti-caking agents that prevent that super smooth, creamy consistency we’re after.
- Don’t overcook the chicken! Sear it until just done, then set it aside. It will finish cooking in the sauce, keeping it incredibly tender and juicy.
- The reserved pasta water isn’t just filler; the starch in it helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle hint of heat that complements the richness.
What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
The real secret to a perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken lies in the sauce’s emulsification. Using freshly grated Parmesan and the starchy pasta water creates that luxurious, velvety coating. It’s a technique that truly elevates this dish, making it the Best creamy garlic chicken recipe.
Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
You can prep the components ahead, but assembling and serving is best done fresh. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
A common pitfall is using pre-shredded cheese, which makes the sauce grainy. Also, avoid over-boiling the sauce once the cream and cheese are added, as this can cause it to separate. Lastly, don’t skip reserving that pasta water – it’s crucial for the perfect texture!
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This decadent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is so versatile, it’s practically a meal in itself! Of course, the classic pairing is with spaghetti, making it the ultimate Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta dream. But don’t stop there! For a lighter touch, I love serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or even a bed of zucchini noodles if I’m feeling a bit healthier. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some steamed green beans for a pop of color and freshness. Honestly, though, sometimes just a big spoon and a cozy evening are all you need!
Nutrition Facts for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a satisfying dish, and here’s a look at its nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 640
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Simple creamy garlic chicken
Once your delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken has cooled down, storing it properly is key to enjoying leftovers. Make sure the dish is completely cool before transferring it into airtight containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the sauce watery. You can safely store this dish in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is an option, though the sauce might change texture slightly. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, patience is important. For refrigerated portions, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. Microwaving is also an option, but heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to ensure it heats evenly without the sauce breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
What makes this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken so good?
The combination of tender, pan-seared chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in a rich, velvety sauce is pure comfort. The garlic and parmesan create a savory depth that’s incredibly satisfying, making this a truly delightful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken experience. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
Absolutely! Garlic parmesan chicken thighs can be a fantastic substitute. They tend to be a bit more forgiving and can stay moist even if cooked a minute too long. Just trim any excess fat and sear them until cooked through, then proceed with the recipe as usual. The flavor will be just as amazing.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I still make this chicken in creamy garlic sauce?
While heavy cream provides the ultimate richness, you can make a version of this chicken in creamy garlic sauce with half-and-half, though it might be slightly less decadent. For a lighter option, you could try blending milk with a little cornstarch to thicken it, but the texture won’t be quite the same. The key is to add the cheese gradually to avoid breaking the sauce.
How do I make sure the sauce doesn’t break when making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
To ensure your sauce stays beautifully smooth and doesn’t break, always add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually while whisking constantly over low to medium heat. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously once the cheese is added. Also, incorporating a bit of the starchy pasta water helps create a stable, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. For more tips on achieving perfect sauces, check out this guide on sauce making.
Variations of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken You Can Try
This classic dish is wonderfully adaptable! If you’re looking to switch things up, consider using Garlic parmesan chicken thighs for a richer, more forgiving flavor profile; they stay incredibly moist. For a lighter take, try a “healthier” version by swapping heavy cream for half-and-half and using reduced-fat Parmesan, making it a great Healthy creamy garlic chicken option. You could also add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor and color. Another idea is to swap the spaghetti for penne or fettuccine, or even serve it over creamy polenta for a different texture.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: 2 Amazing Secrets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Spaghetti is a comforting and delicious meal that tastes like it took hours to make but is ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy pan-seared chicken is coated in a buttery garlic and parsley mixture, served over spaghetti tossed in a velvety parmesan cream sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you crave indulgent, flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in parsley.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet and stir until warmed. Gradually add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
- Toss in cooked spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water until sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Return chicken to the pan and mix or serve on top. Serve hot and garnish with extra parsley or parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce—pre-shredded won’t melt as well.
- Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps bind the sauce to the spaghetti beautifully.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and stir over low heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg