This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken, a luscious parmesan-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to weeknight dinner.
- Rich and Creamy: A luscious garlic parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will devour.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Garlic: The star of the sauce, bringing in bold, aromatic flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melty, salty, and the key to a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy base for the sauce.
- Butter: Adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite shape—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor and helps create a silky sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs to complement the garlic and parmesan.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who love a little spice.
Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Add the Parmesan
Lower the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add it directly into the sauce, tossing to coat.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together until well coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley for a final touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook just until golden and juicy to keep it tender.
- Reserve Pasta Water: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Shred Your Own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
How to Serve
- With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted asparagus or broccoli for a nutritious touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any pasta shape works—penne, rotini, or linguine are great choices.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Absolutely! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch.
What protein alternatives can I use?
Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different twist.
How can I make this spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful combination of tender chicken and pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a burst of savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 liter vegetable or chicken stock
- 250 ml double cream (heavy cream)
- 400 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts to create thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion flakes, and dried thyme.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, oregano, dried parsley, and chili flakes (if using), cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and double cream, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the sauce. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of stock or water.
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Combine Chicken and Cheese: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, mixing until melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Pasta Cooking: Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to absorb more flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Consistency Adjustment: If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add more stock or water until the desired consistency is reached.
Cheese Variations: For a sharper flavor, consider using aged Parmesan or adding a bit of Pecorino Romano.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pot Pasta, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food