Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta dish delivers all the flavors you love—savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and juicy chicken—in one satisfying bowl. The silky sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, and the recipe is flexible, allowing you to add vegetables or tweak seasonings to your taste. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss until well coated in the sauce.
8. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon.
• Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it to the sauce in the last few minutes to heat through.

What pasta shape works best?

Fettuccine or penne are great choices, but any pasta works well.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, substitute whole milk and thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Add parmesan gradually and whisk constantly over low heat.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, if served over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Can I use powdered parmesan?

You can, but fresh parmesan has better flavor and melts more smoothly.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream alternative and vegan parmesan.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to use a large enough skillet to hold everything.

What side dishes go well with this pasta?

Garlic bread, side salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking—cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Conclusion

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for company. With juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your dinner rotation.

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

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Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy and savory pasta dish made with tender chicken, a rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a versatile, comforting meal that works for both weeknights and special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2. 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 cup heavy cream
5. 1 cup chicken broth
6. 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
7. 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred type)
8. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
9. Salt and black pepper, to taste
10. Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
11. Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
6. Return chicken to skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss until fully coated.
7. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

1. Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
2. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
3. Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.
4. For a spicy version, add extra red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 140mg