Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250; Flight Crew Type 20000
Workload
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
While climbing out on ZZZZZ Intersection Departure off of 7L; we began to smell a fairly strong odor/fume in the flight deck. As we continued our climb the odor seemed to clear out of the cockpit. I could not smell the odor. Several communications with the cabin crew confirmed the odor was still present; and stronger towards the back of the aircraft. We then requested clearance back to [departure airport]. We donned the oxygen masks. ACARS was not working; so we had to use [an alternative method] for our landing performance; which added to our work load. Communication with the cabin crew; ATC; Dispatch; arrival programming ; and performance; ATIS; Descent and Approach Checklists; and [landing performance calculations] kept us at a fairly high-task loading throughout the event. I had an extremely experienced; exceptional First Officer who kept us in the Green while I was task loaded with all communications; checklists and performance data. After landing we requested [ground] vehicle follow us to the gate for any signs of smoke. There was none. Our cabin crew stated there were no signs of lasting ill effects with any cabin crew members or passengers.
B737-700 Captain reported returning to departure airport after fumes and odor were noticed in the cabin and the cockpit.