When comfort food meets elegance, you get this irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This restaurant-quality dish transforms humble chicken breasts into something truly special, all while keeping the cooking process surprisingly straightforward.
The combination of tender chicken swimming in a rich, velvety sauce infused with fresh garlic and aged Parmesan creates a dinner that feels both indulgent and homey. It’s the kind of meal that makes a regular weeknight feel like a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
- The sauce is absolutely foolproof – no breaking or curdling
- Perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
Ingredients
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- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, kind in a canister (30 mL)
- 1/2 tsp salt (2 mL)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (1 mL)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and add Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for more uniform cooking
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if desired (sauce will be thinner)
- Add mushrooms or spinach to make it more substantial
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture
- Make the sauce ahead and reheat gently to avoid separation
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, especially fettuccine or penne. For a lighter option, serve over zucchini noodles or with roasted vegetables. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed
- Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
FAQs
- Can I use pre-grated Parmesan? Fresh is best, but pre-grated will work in a pinch. Avoid the shelf-stable variety.
- Why did my sauce separate? This usually happens with too high heat. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Can I freeze this dish? While possible, cream-based sauces may separate when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh.
- How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Don’t overcook it initially, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Servings4
Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Calories—
Ingredients
- 4 Advertisements instant= new adsenseLoader( '#quads-ad8-place', { onLoad: function( ad ){ if (ad.classList.contains("quads-ll")) { ad.classList.remove("quads-ll"); } } }); tbsp Gluten-Free Bake Mix 2, OR almond flour (60 mL)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, kind in a canister (30 mL)
- 1/2 tsp salt (2 mL)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (1 mL)
Steps
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and add Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed
- Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
