Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers bold garlic flavor, juicy chicken, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together quickly. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a reliable dish for family dinner, this creamy pasta is always a winner.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic, minced
• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, extra Parmesan for garnish

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil or butter.
3. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
4. In the same skillet, add more oil or butter if needed. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Slice or dice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta.
8. Toss everything together until well coated.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or peas for added nutrition.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.
• Cheese swap: Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or mix in mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Low-carb: Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Grilled chicken: Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate and change texture after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just add it to the sauce when you would return the chicken to the pan and heat through.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or rotini all work well and hold the sauce nicely.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or extra cheese to help it thicken.

Is fresh Parmesan necessary?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.

Can I make this without chicken?

Absolutely. The garlic Parmesan sauce is delicious on its own or with vegetables.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water for a thicker texture.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of 2 cloves.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its creamy sauce, savory garlic notes, and cheesy finish, this pasta is guaranteed to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a bold garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, extra Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil or butter.
3. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
4. In the same skillet, add more oil or butter if needed. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Slice or dice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta.
8. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
9. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

• Add spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra vegetables.
• Use grilled chicken for a smoky twist.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or mix in mozzarella.
• Reheat gently with cream or broth to restore sauce texture.
• Best served fresh; freezing not recommended due to cream sauce separation.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 530mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 135mg