Shredded Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of pasta, especially when it’s covered in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce and topped with tender shredded chicken. This dish is a lifesaver on busy nights when you want something hearty, satisfying, and quick to make.
I first made this recipe on a hectic weekday when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a nearly empty fridge. I wanted something creamy, cozy, and full of flavor—but without spending hours cooking. This creamy garlic parmesan pasta with shredded chicken became an instant favorite in my household, and now it’s a regular on our dinner menu.
Whether you’re using freshly cooked chicken or leftovers, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
⏱ Recipe Time & Servings
| Preparation Time | Total Cooking Time | Number of Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings |
🛒 Ingredients for My Shredded Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- 2 cups shredded chicken (use leftover or rotisserie chicken)
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
⭐ Pro Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well, so opt for freshly grated parmesan for the best creamy texture.
- Save Some Pasta Water – Before draining the pasta, save about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. It helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Don’t Overheat the Cream – Heat it just until warm before adding the cheese. If it gets too hot, the cheese may become grainy instead of creamy.
- Add a Kick of Flavor – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the taste even more.
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken – To save time, use rotisserie or leftover shredded chicken for quick assembly.
🍳 Tools Required
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Strainer for draining pasta
- Sharp knife (for mincing garlic)
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
| Substitution | Original Ingredient | New Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Half-and-half | Heavy cream | Lighter, less rich sauce |
| Cheddar cheese | Parmesan cheese | Slightly sharper, tangy taste |
| Grilled shrimp | Shredded chicken | Seafood twist |
| Spinach | Parsley | Extra greens and nutrition |
| Whole wheat pasta | Regular pasta | A heartier, fiber-rich version |
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the chicken in advance – Shred and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make the sauce ahead – Store the garlic parmesan sauce separately in the fridge and reheat it gently before mixing with pasta.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Shredded Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. To ensure the pasta has great flavor, add about a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water—this helps season the pasta from the inside as it cooks. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add your pasta of choice, such as penne or fusilli, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an “al dente” texture, which means it should be tender but still slightly firm when bitten. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce later.
Before draining the pasta, scoop out about ½ cup of the pasta water using a heat-safe measuring cup or ladle. This starchy water will come in handy later if the sauce needs thinning. Then, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic for Maximum Flavor
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Let the oil warm up for about 30 seconds before adding three cloves of minced garlic. Garlic burns easily, so keep a close eye on it! Stir it constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula for about one minute, just until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn a light golden color.
This quick sautéing process brings out the garlic’s deep, rich aroma, which will be the base flavor for your creamy parmesan sauce. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Now, it’s time to make the luxurious, velvety sauce that ties this dish together. Slowly pour one cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic, stirring as you pour to evenly distribute the flavors. Lower the heat slightly to medium-low, and let the cream simmer gently for about 2 minutes.
Next, sprinkle in one cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a little at a time. Stir continuously as you add the cheese to help it melt smoothly into the cream. If you add it all at once, it might clump together instead of blending into the sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
Now, add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning for an extra boost of herby flavor. Give everything a good mix, and let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together. At this point, check the consistency—if the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
With the sauce ready, it’s time to combine all the components. Add two cups of shredded chicken to the skillet. If you’re using rotisserie or leftover chicken, this is the moment for it to soak up the creamy, garlicky sauce and become even more flavorful. Stir the chicken into the sauce, making sure it’s well coated and evenly distributed.
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Using tongs or a spoon, toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the luscious garlic parmesan sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, add a little more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Season and Serve with Fresh Garnish
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—just a little at a time, as the parmesan already adds some saltiness to the dish. Stir everything one last time to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed.
For the final touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. The parsley adds a pop of color and a light, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s warm and creamy.
Now, all that’s left is to dig in and enjoy! 🍽✨
❤️ Enjoy!
This Shredded Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the perfect comfort meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Try it tonight, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking! 🍽✨
