Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the kind of dinner that feels special without keeping you in the kitchen all night. Tender chicken, mushrooms and pasta come together in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce for a comforting meal the whole table will love.
Why you’ll love it
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Simple pantry-friendly ingredients
- Creamy, savory and family-friendly
- Easy to adjust with your favorite vegetables
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, to finish
How to make it
- Cook the pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook until golden and cooked through; set aside.
- Add butter and mushrooms to the same skillet. Cook until browned, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Add chicken and pasta back to the skillet. Toss until coated, loosening with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Taste, season, and finish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serving ideas
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli. For a lighter twist, use half-and-half and add spinach during the final minute of cooking.
Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, giving the sauce its signature velvety finish.
Save this recipe for your next cozy weeknight dinner!


