Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe: Creamy Comfort

Whipping up a delectable chicken garlic parmesan pasta promises pure culinary magic that will make your taste buds dance.

Comfort meets sophistication in this creamy, savory dish bursting with rich flavors.

Fragrant garlic and tender chicken create a luxurious combination that feels like a warm embrace.

parmesan cheese adds a delightful sharpness, elevating every single bite into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners never looked this elegant or tasted so incredible.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes.

You’ll fall in love with how simple yet spectacular this recipe becomes when ingredients blend perfectly.

Let’s make dinner unforgettable tonight!

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta For Creamy Dinners

  • Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken create a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, familiar flavors.
  • Master Cooking Skills: Learn professional techniques like properly seasoning chicken, creating a smooth cream sauce, and achieving perfectly cooked protein in one recipe.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping protein or adjusting seasonings, making it a flexible dinner option for various tastes.

Gather Ingredients For Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breast: A tender protein that serves as the star of this dish and provides a hearty base for the pasta.
  • Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that absorbs the creamy sauce and creates a satisfying meal.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's flavor and provide a robust taste profile.
  • Dried Herbs: Herbs like oregano or basil that add aromatic complexity to the dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Butter, Flour: The base for creating a smooth and creamy sauce through a traditional roux technique.
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquids that combine to create a luxurious and velvety sauce texture.
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking during cooking.

Steps For Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Easily

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions.

Make sure to keep it al dente with a slight bite.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Flavorful Chicken

Gather chicken seasoning ingredients:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.

Generously coat both sides with the seasoning mix.

Step 3: Sear and Cook Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken in the pan.

Sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried thyme
  • Red pepper flakes

Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously.

Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Add cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and gently fold into the pasta.

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips For The Best Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

  • Choose short pasta like penne or rotini to catch more creamy sauce and hold chicken pieces perfectly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin sauce if too thick, helping create silky smooth texture that coats every noodle evenly.
  • Toast seasonings briefly in butter before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and enhance overall dish richness.
  • Add parmesan gradually and stir constantly to create smooth, velvety sauce without lumpy texture.

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Flavor Variations For Pasta

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in same garlic and herb seasonings for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to thicken sauce, ensuring celiac-safe meal.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining creamy sauce and protein while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and olive oil instead of butter for allergen-friendly adaptation.

Serving Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Bread

  • Rustic Italian Dinner Plating: Serve on large ceramic plates with the sliced chicken beautifully arranged over creamy pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan shavings.
  • Hearty Side Companions: Pair with roasted garlic bread, crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or steamed seasonal vegetables to complement the rich pasta flavors.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Select a chilled Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy sauce and enhance the garlic parmesan chicken's delicate taste profile.
  • Family-Style Feast: Present the pasta in a large central serving dish, allowing everyone to serve themselves and enjoy the communal dining experience with warm, inviting vibes.

Storing Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Properly

  • Store leftover pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers. Seal tightly and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
  • Transfer cooled pasta and chicken to freezer-safe containers. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 2 months. Chicken and sauce may slightly separate upon thawing.
  • Warm in microwave with splash of pasta water or milk to restore moisture. Stir every 30 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in skillet over medium-low heat, adding liquid to prevent drying.
  • Warm gently in microwave at 50% power to prevent overcooking. Sprinkle few drops of water to maintain juiciness. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re pounded to even thickness and cooked to 165F internal temperature for food safety.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, this chicken garlic parmesan pasta is not spicy. It’s a creamy, savory dish with garlic and parmesan flavors that are mild and rich.

  • Do I need any special cooking equipment?

You’ll need a skillet for cooking chicken, a large pot for pasta, and a whisk for making the sauce. Standard kitchen tools work great.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink centers.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta delivers comfort in every forkful, blending Italian-inspired flavors with hearty ingredients. Succulent chicken, rich parmesan, and garlic dance together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) gluten-free farfalle pasta
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) shredded parmesan
  • 3 cups heavy cream

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup pasta water

Seasonings and Additives:

  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
  • 2 teaspoons dry shallots
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Garlic powder
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring it remains slightly firm. Prepare chicken by combining selected herbs and spices, then gently flatten each piece to uniform thickness.
  2. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into hot pan, allowing golden-brown crust to develop for approximately 5 minutes per side.
  3. Reduce skillet heat, cover, and continue cooking chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F, typically requiring 10-12 minutes of gentle simmering.
  4. Create creamy sauce by melting butter in a separate pan. Incorporate selected herbs and gradually sprinkle flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
  5. Slowly introduce chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking methodically until sauce transforms into smooth, velvety consistency. Gradually fold grated parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
  6. Combine cooked pasta with prepared sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if necessary. Slice perfectly cooked chicken into elegant strips.
  7. Plate pasta, strategically arranging chicken strips on top. Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh herbs for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Choose pasta with ridges or curves to help sauce cling better, creating more flavor in every bite.
  • Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for deeper taste profile before cooking.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Grate fresh parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded packaged versions.
  • Reserve pasta cooking water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and add starchy richness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in sauce.
  • Consider adding roasted garlic or red pepper flakes for extra depth and subtle heat in the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 810 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 28 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 54 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star