Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta; • 2 tablespoons olive oil; • 2 tablespoons butter; • 4 cloves garlic, minced; • 1 cup heavy cream; • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; • 1/2 cup chicken broth; • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; • 1/2 teaspoon paprika; • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; • 1/4 teaspoon salt; • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy and comforting dinner that combines tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, fresh garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese. The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta while the golden chicken adds plenty of savory flavor.

This easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you want a cozy homemade meal. It uses simple ingredients and comes together without complicated cooking techniques. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dinner.

Ingredients List

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Serving, Prep Time, Cooking Time, Calories

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 680 calories per serving

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of garlic, Parmesan, butter, and cream creates a smooth and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Tender Seasoned Chicken

The chicken is seasoned with simple spices and cooked until golden. It adds a delicious savory element to the creamy pasta.

Easy Weeknight Dinner

This recipe uses everyday ingredients and can be prepared in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Family Friendly

The creamy sauce and cheesy Parmesan flavor make this pasta appealing to the whole family. You can also adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.

Easy to Customize

Add spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, sun dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes to create your own version.

Step By Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

If the chicken breasts are very thick, carefully slice them horizontally so they cook more evenly.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and allow it to rest for a few minutes.

Sauté the Garlic

Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic.

Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic too much because it can develop a bitter taste.

Make the Parmesan Sauce

Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well while scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Allow the sauce to gently simmer for several minutes.

Add the Parmesan

Lower the heat and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water.

Combine the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until the pasta is completely coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Add the Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite sized pieces. Place the chicken over the pasta or gently mix it into the sauce.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

Variations To Try

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta With Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the sauce before adding the Parmesan. Cook until the spinach wilts for a simple vegetable addition.

Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream. Mushrooms add a rich earthy flavor to the dish.

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little Cajun seasoning to the chicken for a flavorful spicy version.

Broccoli Chicken Pasta

Add cooked broccoli to the finished pasta. The broccoli adds color, texture, and a fresh vegetable flavor.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Stir chopped sun dried tomatoes into the creamy sauce. Their slightly sweet and tangy flavor pairs beautifully with garlic and Parmesan.

Freezing Or Restoring

Freezing

Creamy pasta is best enjoyed fresh because the sauce may change texture after freezing. If you need to freeze leftovers, allow them to cool completely and transfer them to an airtight freezer safe container.

Freeze for up to 1 month for the best quality.

Reheating

Thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Place it in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth.

Stir gently while reheating until the pasta and chicken are warmed through and the sauce becomes creamy again.

Recipe Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.

Keep the heat low when adding Parmesan to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy.

Reserve pasta water before draining the pasta. The starchy water can help loosen the sauce and improve its consistency.

Avoid overcooking the chicken. Let it rest before slicing to help retain its moisture.

For the best texture, serve the pasta immediately after combining it with the sauce.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti, and rigatoni all work well. Choose a pasta shape that can hold plenty of creamy sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative to chicken breasts.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich. Whole milk will give better results than low fat milk.

Why is my Parmesan sauce grainy?

The cheese may have been added over heat that was too high. Lower the heat and add the Parmesan gradually while stirring.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, peas, and sun dried tomatoes are all delicious additions.

Can I make this pasta without chicken?

Yes. Simply leave out the chicken and add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a meatless version.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dinner that combines golden chicken with tender pasta and a rich homemade Parmesan sauce. Fresh garlic and Parmesan give the dish a delicious savory flavor while cream and butter create a smooth texture.

It is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a family gathering or cozy dinner at home. Add your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make the recipe your own and serve it with warm garlic bread for an extra satisfying meal.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Recipe by Mian waqarCourse: Recipe Ideas

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time