Creamy Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce are little pockets of deliciousness that combine tender chicken and a smooth, cheesy sauce in a way that just feels like a big, warm…

By Willow • December 15, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min

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Creamy Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce are little pockets of deliciousness that combine tender chicken and a smooth, cheesy sauce in a way that just feels like a big, warm hug. The pillows are soft and pillowy, with a creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the rich, nutty flavor of parmesan sauce drizzled on top. It’s simple comfort food with a special twist that makes it feel fancy without any fuss.

I love making these when I want something cozy but also a bit different from the usual chicken dish. The creamy filling stays nice and soft inside each pillow, and the parmesan sauce adds just the right amount of richness without overpowering the chicken. I sometimes sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness—it makes the dish look as good as it tastes!

My favorite way to serve these creamy chicken pillows is alongside a fresh green salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. They also make for a great main dish when friends come over because they’re easy to eat with your hands and always get raves. Whenever I make this recipe, it’s impossible not to smile as everyone digs in and keeps asking for more of that cheesy parmesan sauce.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken breast keeps the filling tender and mild. You can swap for rotisserie chicken or even leftover cooked turkey for a twist.

Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you want a lighter option, try using ricotta or mascarpone. Both keep the creamy texture but change the flavor slightly.

Puff Pastry: The pillow’s flaky outside comes from puff pastry. Frozen sheets work best — just thaw before using. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free puff pastry or try phyllo dough layers.

Parmesan Cheese: Key to the sauce’s rich, nutty flavor. If unavailable, Pecorino Romano makes a nice substitute. Use freshly grated cheese for best melting.

How Do I Seal Puff Pastry Pillows So They Don’t Leak?

Sealing your pillows tight is important to keep the creamy filling inside:

• Place filling in the center, leaving enough space around edges.
• Lightly brush the edges with beaten egg or water to help the pastry stick.
• Fold the pastry over, then press edges firmly together. Use a fork to crimp and further secure the seal.
• Avoid overfilling, as too much filling can cause the pastry to burst during baking.

Taking these steps makes your pillows bake up perfectly with warm, creamy centers and a golden, crisp crust.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – to bake the chicken pillows evenly and get crispy edges.
• Parchment paper – keeps the pillows from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Mixing bowls – you’ll need these to combine the chicken filling and whisk the sauce.
• Whisk – helps make the Parmesan sauce smooth without lumps.
• Saucepan – perfect size to cook and thicken your creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Pastry brush – for brushing egg wash on pillows to get a golden-brown finish.
• Knife and cutting board – to chop parsley or cut the puff pastry sheets neatly.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood twist that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan sauce.
• Add chopped spinach or artichoke hearts to the filling to boost the veggie content and add fresh flavor.
• Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a mild kick that brightens the creamy filling.
• Try using fontina or provolone cheese instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy melt and taste.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pillows with Parmesan Sauce?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Pillows:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 package puff pastry sheets (usually 2 sheets), thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for sauce)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 15-18 minutes baking time. You’ll also spend around 5-7 minutes making the Parmesan sauce. Overall, plan for roughly 40 minutes from start to finish for a warm, cheesy meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the pillows from sticking and help clean-up.

2. Mix the Filling:

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets if they have fold marks. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares (if using two sheets, you’ll have 12 squares).

4. Assemble the Chicken Pillows:

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the pastry over to form a pillow shape—either a square or triangle—pressing the edges firmly and crimping with a fork to seal.

5. Add the Egg Wash:

Brush the tops of each pillow with the beaten egg. This helps them get a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.

6. Bake the Pillows:

Place the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown.

7. Make the Parmesan Sauce:

While the pillows bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the parsley.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Plate the warm chicken pillows and spoon the creamy Parmesan sauce generously over and around them. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot. They go great with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies on the side.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Filling?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding or chopping. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick thaw method by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.

Can I Prepare the Chicken Pillows Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Assemble the pillows and store them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake as directed.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Keep any leftover pillows and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat pillows in the oven to keep them crispy and warm the sauce gently on the stove.

Can I Substitute the Parmesan Sauce?

Sure! You can swap the Parmesan sauce for a simple alfredo or a garlic cream sauce if preferred. Just ensure the sauce complements the creamy chicken filling well.