Some meals speak directly to your soul and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those warm, cozy dishes that wrap you in comfort with every bite.
Garlic Parmesan pasta is the ideal comfort food, featuring tender chicken, properly cooked pasta, and a creamy garlic sauce.
This meal is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its creamy smoothness and cheesy flavor, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Why Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Is So Loved
There’s something timeless about creamy pasta. And this one especially shines thanks to:
- The strong umami hit from parmesan cheese
- The bold, aromatic base of garlic
- The tender, juicy chicken that turns it into a full meal
- The sauce that clings to every strand of pasta for maximum flavor
No matter which name you go by garlic parmesan chicken pasta, chicken garlic parmesan pasta, or parmesan garlic chicken pasta it’s a dish that never fails.
Ingredients for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Prepration of the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- ¾ lb pasta (linguine, penne, or your favorite shape)
- Salt for pasta water
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing into thin strips.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for another minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add splashes of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in sliced chicken and heat through for about 1 minute.
5. Serve
- Divide between plates or bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately alongside garlic bread or a green salad.
Chef Tips
- Use freshly grated parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t burn the garlic – Sauté until golden, not brown, for mellow flavor.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of pasta water or white wine for extra flavor.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if the sauce feels too rich.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Version: Incorporate red pepper flakes or chili oil into the sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- One-Pot Version: Cook everything in one pan to reduce the number of dishes.
- Low-carb option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Pairing your pasta with the proper sides enhances the entire meal:
- To add color and crunch, roast broccoli or asparagus.
- Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Final Thoughts
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is my go-to for busy nights when I crave something indulgent but easy. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and punch of garlic will have everyone asking for seconds!
I’d love to hear how yours turns out, tag me in your photos or drop a comment below!
(FAQs)
Q1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast or grilled chicken works great just warm it through in the sauce.
Q2. What type of pasta works best for garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle clings to the creamy sauce best, but you can use fettuccine or spaghetti too.
Q3. How do I make it less rich?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to cut the richness without losing flavor.
Q4. Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Q5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well they tend to separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.
