If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish with bold, savory flavors, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your dream dinner. Packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something special. We’ll explore how to create it from scratch, what variations you can try, and how to serve it for maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal ahead of time, this is a dish that promises satisfaction. Let’s dive in and bring the garlic parmesan magic to your kitchen tonight!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Creamy, Easy, and Family-Approved
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a family-favorite comfort food, combining juicy chicken, a rich parmesan sauce, and tender pasta in every satisfying bite.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
8 oz penne pasta (or fettuccine)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side; remove and slice.
4. In same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in cream and chicken broth; simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken.
6. Gradually stir in parmesan until sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Return chicken and pasta to pan; toss to coat with sauce.
8. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and melt.
You can substitute thighs for extra tenderness.
Add veggies like spinach or broccoli to bulk it up.
Store leftovers up to 4 days; reheat gently with milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic chicken pasta
Table of Contents
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Story & Intro
A Sonoma Supper with Garlic and Comfort
Growing up just outside Santa Rosa, pasta nights were sacred. I can still hear the clatter of pots and pans in my mom’s kitchen and smell that unmistakable aroma of garlic mingling with melted butter. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a comfort dish—it’s a memory on a plate. My dad would grill chicken in the backyard while I stirred the sauce, carefully whisking in the cream and freshly grated parmesan until it was just right. We didn’t need an occasion to make it—it was the occasion. And now, it’s a staple in my own Sonoma kitchen, just a few hills over.
The richness of this dish isn’t just in its creamy texture—it’s in the nostalgia, in the way garlic perfumes the house and everyone finds their way to the table before you can even call them. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a dish that always delivers. And thanks to its simple pantry-friendly ingredients and one-pot approach, it’s perfect for busy cooks looking for full flavor without fuss.
If you love dishes that highlight garlic in every bite, you’ll definitely enjoy my Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe—another weeknight favorite in our house.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is built on the basics—boneless chicken breast, garlic, butter, heavy cream, and real parmesan cheese. No shortcuts, no sauces from a jar. The key is sautéing the garlic just until golden, not browned, and simmering the sauce slowly so the cheese melts evenly without clumping.
Pairing it with al dente penne or fettuccine helps the sauce cling beautifully to every bite. And for extra depth? A dash of chicken broth and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper take it from good to truly crave-worthy. Add a simple side salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal with very little cleanup.
For another dish with bold parmesan flavor, check out my Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce—it’s a hit at Sunday dinners.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Mastering Flavor in Every Bite
How to Cook Chicken for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
When making garlic parmesan chicken pasta, the chicken can make or break the dish. For the best garlic parmesan chicken pasta, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Slice the chicken thinly for quicker cooking and season it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. In a large skillet, sear the chicken in olive oil until golden and juicy. This caramelized exterior is key for rich flavor.
The secret to irresistible garlic parmesan chicken pasta is using the same pan for every step. After cooking the chicken, remove it and set it aside. Keep all those flavorful brown bits—they’ll enrich your garlic parmesan sauce beautifully.
If you’re a fan of rich, saucy dishes, my Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has a similar creamy profile with a romantic twist.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce That Clings to Every Noodle
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta sauce is everything. Begin with butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—never browned—then stir in heavy cream and a splash of chicken broth. Let it simmer to thicken slightly. For the ultimate garlic parmesan chicken pasta flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese, not the pre-packaged kind. Add it slowly, stirring constantly, so it melts smoothly into the cream.
Want your garlic parmesan chicken pasta even more luscious? Add a splash of reserved pasta water—it creates a silky finish that coats every piece of pasta. Toss the cooked pasta and seared chicken into the sauce, mixing until every bite bursts with creamy garlic parmesan flavor.
Want something a little more rustic? Try my Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes—same core flavors, totally different texture.
Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken: Serving Ideas & Delicious Variations
Serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for Any Occasion
One of the best things about garlic parmesan chicken pasta is its versatility. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish but elegant enough for special dinners. For a family-friendly meal, plate it with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread. Want to impress guests? Garnish your garlic parmesan chicken pasta with fresh parsley, a few shavings of extra parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Serve it in shallow bowls to let that creamy sauce shine.
For other crowd-pleasing comfort meals, the Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie is another dish that brings warmth to any table.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Variations
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is endlessly customizable. Want more veggies? Stir in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli just before serving. Craving a smoky flavor? Add crumbled bacon or pancetta to the garlic parmesan sauce.
You can even turn this garlic parmesan chicken pasta into a baked pasta. Just pour everything into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly and golden. You could even combine spinach with mushrooms like I do in my Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna for a vegetarian twist on rich, creamy pasta.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or experimenting with flavors, garlic parmesan chicken pasta offers a rich, creamy base that welcomes endless twists while staying true to its bold, garlicky roots.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Leftovers, Storage & Prep Tips
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta isn’t just delicious the first night—it holds up beautifully for leftovers. Let your pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir halfway through to keep the garlic parmesan flavor evenly distributed.
Avoid reheating garlic parmesan chicken pasta over high heat—slow and steady keeps the cream sauce from separating. For a quick work lunch, portion the pasta into single-serve containers, and you’ve got ready-to-go meals that taste just as comforting the next day.For something a little more unique during the week, consider mixing things up with my Chicken Apple Sausage Recipes—great for make-ahead options too.
Make-Ahead Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Lovers
Want to make garlic parmesan chicken pasta ahead of time? You can prep components separately. Cook and slice the chicken, make the sauce, and boil the pasta—store each separately. When ready to serve, reheat everything in a large skillet with a splash of broth or milk and toss together. This method is perfect for busy weeknights or if you’re hosting dinner and want less stress.
You can even freeze the garlic parmesan sauce separately. Just cool it completely and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently while whisking to bring it back to creamy perfection.
Looking for more make-ahead meals with poultry? My list of Easy Ground Chicken Recipes is full of freezer-friendly ideas.
FAQs:
What pasta works best for garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
Penne, fettuccine, rotini, or even spaghetti all work well. Choose pasta with ridges or a flat surface to help the creamy garlic parmesan sauce cling to every bite.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Just warm it gently in the sauce until heated through to avoid drying it out.
Is there a way to make garlic parmesan chicken pasta lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly. For extra protein without added fat, stir in Greek yogurt at the end (off heat) for a creamy finish.
Can I freeze garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
It’s best to freeze just the sauce and chicken, then cook fresh pasta before serving. Creamy sauces can separate slightly when frozen, but whisking while reheating will bring them back to life.
Conclusion:
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is more than just a weeknight meal—it’s rich, cozy, and full of flavor that makes everyone at the table happy. From the creamy garlic parmesan sauce to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is all about comfort and ease. With simple ingredients and flexible prep options, it’s a go-to recipe that belongs in your regular rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making lunch for tomorrow, garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a dish you’ll crave again and again.
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