If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly yet feels absolutely luxurious, you’ve just found it in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. This decadent pasta features tender pieces of chicken, a silky parmesan cream sauce scented with garlic, and hearty noodles for the perfect stick-to-your-ribs meal. It’s everything you love about classic Italian flavors, but so easy and satisfying, you’ll want to make it every week. Let’s dive in and create a dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a breeze, and each element adds a touch of magic to the dish. These staple kitchen items combine to create rich flavor, creamy texture, and that signature golden color that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ lbs): Tender chicken chunks soak up the sauce beautifully and make this meal extra hearty.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds depth while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with bold, aromatic flavor you just can’t skip.
Heavy cream (2 cups): Creates a lusciously thick and creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): The hero ingredient that brings punchy, nutty, salty goodness to every forkful.
Chicken broth (½ cup): Lifts the sauce with savory depth and helps deglaze all those flavorful browned bits.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic herbs that round out the sauce with classic Italian flair.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A touch of heat to balance the creamy, cheesy elements.
Pasta of your choice (12 oz): Penne and fettuccine are classic, but any sturdy noodle will soak up the savory sauce.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Brings a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.
Extra Parmesan for topping: Because a little more cheese on top never hurt anyone!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start off by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This is a crucial step, as slightly firm noodles hold up best to the creamy sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, saving a bit of pasta water in case you want to adjust the sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and immediately season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are nicely golden and respectfully juicy inside. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you build the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium and, using the same skillet (don’t you dare wash away those flavorful bits!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for just about a minute, stirring proudly, until the aroma is irresistible. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as that can leave a bitter note.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet to capture every ounce of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the glorious grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce looks silky smooth—it will smell like heaven at this point!

Step 5: Combine It All

Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat everything thoroughly in that creamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce. Simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors have mingled into perfection.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

For the grand finale, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and an extra shower of Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe piping hot and watch it disappear—seconds are basically guaranteed!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To bring restaurant-worthy finesse to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, finish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley and a generous dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. If you like a hint of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some sliced sun-dried tomatoes can elevate both the look and the flavor. Serve it all in a large bowl for a cozy, family-style feel.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta is a perfect main attraction, but pairing it with sides enhances the experience. Think warm, buttery garlic bread to mop up every drop of sauce, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness with some crunch and vibrance. Roasted veggies, like asparagus or broccoli, are also fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not try serving your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or pile it into a large, shallow platter topped with extra herbs for a rustic, communal vibe? For a twist, stir in a handful of baby spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes just before serving for added color and nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you luck out and have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but the flavors continue to meld and deepen, making each bite possibly even better the next day!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe! Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream sauces can separate when frozen, but a little careful reheating can restore creamy goodness.

Reheating

To bring your pasta back to life, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce. If you’re microwaving, cover the dish and use medium power in short bursts while stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine are classic choices, feel free to use any sturdy pasta shape you have on hand, including rotini, bowties, or even spaghetti.

What can I add for extra flavor?

If you want to amp up your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, consider tossing in sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. A squeeze of lemon can also brighten up the sauce.

Is there a way to lighten the sauce?

You sure can! Substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Your sauce will be a bit lighter but still creamy and delicious.

How do I keep chicken tender and juicy?

Don’t overcook your chicken; cut the pieces evenly and remove them from the pan as soon as they’re golden and cooked through. Cooking them in olive oil and seasoning well adds extra flavor and helps lock in the moisture.

Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the pasta and sauce separately, then combine before serving. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce while resting.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s cozy enough for a casual weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve guests. Give it a try and you’ll see just how quickly it disappears—don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that is sure to become a family favorite. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together beautifully in this easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth

Additional Ingredients:

12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Extra Parmesan for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.