Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There are some recipes that you try once and instantly know they’ll be part of your dinner rotation forever. For me, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe was one of those. I first made it on a chilly Tuesday evening, digging through my pantry and fridge, trying to throw something together that wasn’t just edible—but satisfying. I had pasta, some chicken breasts, garlic, and a bit of Parmesan cheese. What started as a “throw-together” meal turned into a creamy, garlicky, comforting dish that my family still requests weekly.
Over time, I perfected the flavors, tweaked the ratios, and finally landed on the version I’m sharing today. It’s one of those crowd-pleasing dinners that’s easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough to serve when you have guests. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta, tender chicken, and bold garlic flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend.
Let’s dig into this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe — a creamy, cheesy, soul-warming dish that’s ready in under an hour.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s simple but delivers bold flavor.
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 smaller ones), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- ½ cup chicken broth (for added flavor and sauce thinning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe: Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking:
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not burn).
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to melt and create a smooth sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or more broth to loosen it.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Step 5: Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is hearty and satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some great serving ideas:
1. With Garlic Bread
You can never have too much garlic, right? Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2. With a Fresh Green Salad
A simple salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.
3. With Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a colorful and nutritious addition.
4. With Wine
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the garlic – Burnt garlic will ruin the sauce’s flavor.
- Adjust thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
- Control the salt – Parmesan is salty, so go easy on additional salt until you taste the sauce.
- Cook chicken evenly – Cut it into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are some fun twists to try:
1. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Add 2–3 cups of fresh baby spinach to the sauce before combining with pasta. Let it wilt for a nutrient boost.
2. Mushroom Garlic Chicken Pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic for a more earthy flavor profile.
3. Spicy Kick
Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the chicken or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for heat.
4. Extra Cheesy
Mix in shredded mozzarella or cream cheese for an ultra-decadent version.
5. Bacon Lover’s Twist
Crumble cooked bacon over the top before serving for added crunch and flavor.
6. Crock Pot or Instant Pot Version
Want to make it even easier? Cook the chicken in a slow cooker or pressure cooker and mix with the sauce before serving.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but it will be less rich. If using milk, consider adding 1–2 teaspoons of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. You can also mix milk with a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Q2. Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly.
Q3. How long does this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth.
Q4. Can I freeze it?
You can, but creamy sauces sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze, reheat slowly while stirring.
Q5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas as a protein replacement.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my most beloved recipes — and it’s not hard to see why. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and just so satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is virtually foolproof and endlessly customizable.
It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without requiring a ton of effort, and it always hits the spot. My family devours it every single time, and I’m betting yours will too.
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dinner, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s truly love at first bite.