Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring success even for novice cooks.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning (about ½ teaspoon).
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it; cook in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the chicken (no need to clean it, the chicken fond adds flavor!), melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic in the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce. Cooking the flour slightly removes any raw flour taste.
6. Add Liquids and Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring to incorporate it smoothly into the roux and prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
7. Flavor the Sauce: Add the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so adjust the salt accordingly. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
8. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn’t clump.
9. Slice the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips.
10. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and sauce mixture. Gently stir to combine everything, ensuring the chicken is heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
11. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is always welcome too!