Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

There’s something truly irresistible about a bowl of creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, the rich, velvety sauce, tender bites of chicken, and perfectly coated pasta come together for a meal that feels like pure comfort. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that impresses with minimal effort, this recipe delivers.

With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. The combination of savory garlic, melted parmesan, and juicy chicken makes every bite unforgettable. Plus, it’s versatile to swap the pasta shape, add veggies, or spice it up with red pepper flakes to make it your own.

Ready to bring bold, comforting flavors to your table? Let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Some dishes have a way of bringing comfort with every bite, and garlic parmesan chicken pasta is one of them. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every strand. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.

Not convinced yet? Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pan Convenience: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of buttery garlic, parmesan, and creamy sauce creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
• Versatile and Customizable: Use your favorite pasta, adjust the spice level, or toss in extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a personal touch.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to impress, this dish delivers every time. Get ready to create a restaurant-worthy pasta right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (any shape you like: fettuccine, penne, spaghetti)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing the chicken)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These simple ingredients come together to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Now you’re ready to cook, let’s move on to the next step.

Directions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together for this garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, comforting dish on your table in no time.

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add salt and pasta, cooking it until al dente according to the package instructions. When done, drain the pasta, saving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides. When cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring until it becomes fragrant. Be sure not to burn it. Then, pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet to build flavor. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
   Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes thick and smooth. If it gets too thick, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta water to get the perfect consistency.
5. Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything well until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while it’s warm. Enjoy your homemade garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

These steps are easy to follow, and the result is a rich, cheesy pasta that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to enjoy? Let’s move on to the next step.

Expert Tips and Variations

Ready to elevate your garlic parmesan chicken pasta? Here are some expert tips and variations to make this dish even more delicious or customize it to your preferences:

1. Add Extra Veggies
   Looking to sneak in some veggies? Feel free to add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the pasta. You can sauté them along with the garlic or toss them into the skillet with the chicken. These additions bring extra nutrition and flavor to your dish.
   
2. Adjust the Creaminess
   Not everyone loves a super creamy sauce, and that’s okay. If you want a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream or substitute half-and-half. You can also try using a lighter cheese like parmesan or a blend of cheeses to control the richness of the sauce.
   
3. Boost the Flavor
   If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add a little more minced garlic or even roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the dish.
   
4. Perfect Your Pasta Cooking
   For pasta that’s cooked to perfection, be sure to follow the package instructions but slightly undercook it by 1 minute to keep it firm. The pasta will continue to cook once it’s added to the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t get mushy.
   

With these expert tips and variations, you can truly make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta your own. Whether you keep it simple or get creative with add-ins, this recipe will always be a crowd-pleaser.

Serving Suggestions

Looking for the perfect way to serve your garlic parmesan chicken pasta? Here are some delicious ideas to make your meal even more satisfying:

1. Pair with a Fresh Salad
   A crisp, refreshing salad makes a great side to balance the richness of the creamy pasta. Try a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, or add some roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for extra flavor and texture.
   
2. Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette
   You can’t go wrong with a warm loaf of garlic bread or a crunchy baguette to soak up any extra creamy sauce. You can make your own garlic bread by spreading butter, garlic, and parsley on slices of bread, then toasting them in the oven until golden brown.
   
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasted vegetables are an easy and healthy way to add some color and nutrients to your meal. Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini, all of which pair wonderfully with the garlic parmesan flavors of the pasta.
   
4. Top with Fresh Herbs
   For a burst of flavor and color, top your garlic parmesan chicken pasta with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or even thyme. A little sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish and make it even more aromatic.
   
5. Add a Protein Boost
   Want to make this meal even heartier? Consider adding extra protein, like sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or even a crispy chicken cutlet on top of the pasta. This adds both flavor and substance, making the meal more filling.
   

With these serving ideas, you can easily elevate your garlic parmesan chicken pasta to suit any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special gathering with friends or family.

FAQs

Got questions about making garlic parmesan chicken pasta? Here are some of the most common ones, along with answers to help you make this recipe even more perfect:

These FAQs should help clear up any questions you have as you make this delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences and enjoy every bite.

Recipe Card

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

OLIVIA

Try this easy and delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe. A creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 620 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz pasta
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add salt and pasta, cooking it until al dente according to the package instructions. When done, drain the pasta, saving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce later.
• Cook the Chicken: While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides. When cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring until it becomes fragrant. Be sure not to burn it. Then, pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet to build flavor. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes thick and smooth. If it gets too thick, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta water to get the perfect consistency.
• Combine the Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything well until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
• Serve and Enjoy: Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while it’s warm. Enjoy your homemade garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 620
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 610mg
• Potassium: 455mg

Closing Notes

Congratulations on making garlic parmesan chicken pasta. A dish that’s bound to impress with its creamy, garlicky goodness. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or cooking for a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The perfect combination of tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and flavorful garlic creates a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

One of the best things about this pasta is how customizable it is. Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite vegetables, spices, or protein alternatives. Want to make it lighter? Swap the heavy cream for a lighter dairy option or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. The versatility of this dish means you can tailor it to your dietary preferences and taste.

Don’t forget to share your results with family or friends. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, but also works great when you need to impress guests. And remember, the magic is in the details: the creamy sauce, the right pasta, and the perfect balance of garlic and parmesan.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more of our easy and delicious pasta dishes. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite.

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