Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a warm and comforting dish that blends juicy chicken breast, rich parmesan cheese, and a creamy garlic sauce. This pasta dish first appeared on many home tables as a quick and satisfying option for busy nights. You can make this recipe with simple ingredients, and it always tastes amazing.

People love the deep garlic flavor paired with a tender chicken texture. If you enjoy savory meals that bring family and friends together, garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a great choice. Get ready to discover how fun and simple this recipe can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers comfort and rich flavors without complicated steps. You can prepare it in one large pot or use your favorite cooking method, like a crockpot or even an instant pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it uses boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, both of which become tender chicken when cooked in a creamy sauce.

You only need common pantry items, such as grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and simple seasonings. The steps are clear, making it an easy chicken pasta recipe for cooks of all levels. You can also switch up the pasta shape, add vegetables, or adjust the seasonings. Everyone who tries this dish will love this recipe for its comforting taste and practical approach.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Below is a clear list of everything you need. Feel free to adjust the quantities for bigger or smaller servings. This recipe is flexible and works well if you want to make extra for leftovers.

1. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 2 pounds)
   • You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds). Both options yield juicy chicken.
2. Penne Pasta (12 ounces)
   • You can pick another shape, but penne holds the sauce nicely.
3. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
   • Helps sear the chicken and create a nice crust.
4. Butter (2 tablespoons)
   • Adds richness to the garlic parmesan sauce.
5. Minced Garlic (4 cloves)
   • Fresh garlic gives a big flavor boost to your pasta dish.
6. Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
   • Reinforces the garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
7. Heavy Cream (1 cup)
   • You can use heavy cream, milk, or chicken broth in some parts, but heavy cream gives the thickest result.
8. Chicken Broth (1 cup)
   • Thins the sauce slightly while still adding savory notes.
9. Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened)
   • This makes the creamy garlic parmesan sauce extra smooth.
10. Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, shredded or grated)
    • Parmesan cheese is the heart of the sauce. Save some extra parmesan for topping.
11. Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
    • Season the chicken and sauce as you prefer.
12. Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
    • A balanced mix of herbs that boosts the flavor of the seasoned chicken.
13. Optional Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon)
    • Adds a slight kick, but you can skip if you prefer no heat.
14. Fresh Parsley or Basil (for garnish)
    • Chopped herbs give the meal a nice pop of color.

These ingredients team up to form a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that coats each piece of pasta. When you season the chicken well and cook the pasta according to package directions, you’ll end up with a memorable meal.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions that guide you from start to finish. Keep your ingredients close by, and follow each stage for a perfect result.

1. Season the Chicken
   
   • Pat your boneless skinless chicken with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
   • Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This will ensure the chicken is flavorful through every bite.
   • If you want a little kick, add a small pinch of red pepper flakes now or wait until the sauce stage.
2. Sear the Chicken
   
   • Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Drizzle in the olive oil, then add the butter. Let both heat up until the butter melts.
   • Place the seasoned chicken in the pan, making sure not to crowd the pieces. Cook chicken on each side for about 4–5 minutes, or until a golden crust forms.
   • Once you see the chicken is cooked about 80% of the way, remove the chicken and set it aside. You’ll finish cooking it later in the sauce.
3. Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
   
   • In the same pot, add minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until it smells fragrant.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. These bits add savory depth.
   • Add the heavy cream, then use heavy cream plus a bit of cream cheese to create a thick base. Combine them slowly to prevent lumps.
   • Stir in about half of your parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. You can also add buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan sauce if you want a tangy twist, but that’s optional.
4. Cook the Pasta
   
   • As the sauce comes together, cook the pasta according to package directions in a separate pot of salted water. If you plan on making crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you can cook pasta later, but in a classic stovetop method, you should cook the pasta now.
   • Once al dente pasta is ready, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the cooked pasta aside.
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta
   
   • Return the chicken to the sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If you like crockpot recipes, you could place everything into the crockpot and let it cook on low for a longer time.
   • Slice the cooked chicken if you used whole breasts. This step ensures each slice soaks up the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. If you started with smaller cubes, you can skip slicing.
   • Add the pasta to the pot, along with a splash of reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
   • Gently mix everything together. You’ll notice the creamy sauce thickening around the pasta. If it seems too thick, add more pasta water.
6. Taste and Adjust
   
   • Sample the sauce and see if it needs extra salt, pepper, or more grated parmesan cheese.
   • If you crave stronger garlic flavor, sprinkle in more garlic powder or minced garlic.
   • For added richness, stir in another tablespoon of butter or a bit more cream cheese.
7. Finish and Garnish
   
   • Once the sauce in this recipe is smooth and the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken from direct heat and place it on top of the pasta if you prefer a neat presentation.
   • Shower extra parmesan on top of the pasta, then sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.

Your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is almost ready to serve. See the recipe card at the bottom for a quick recap if you need a handy reference.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with Garlic Bread
   • Garlic bread makes a perfect side. The crisp bread soaks up any leftover parmesan garlic sauce on your plate.
2. Light Side Salad
   • A quick salad of crisp lettuce, tomato, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the creamy sauce.
3. Steamed Vegetables
   • You can serve broccoli, zucchini, or green beans on the side. Their bright colors make the plate look appealing.

Storage

1. Refrigeration
   • Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once the pasta cools. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
2. Reheating
   • Warm your chicken and pasta on the stove over low heat. Add a small splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick. Stir gently until heated through.
   • You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring often.
3. Freezing
   • This creamy pasta can freeze, but the sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing because of the heavy cream. If you don’t mind a bit of graininess, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently.

Freezing and Food Safety: This comprehensive guide from the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers best practices for freezing various food items, ensuring safety and quality. 

Helpful Notes

1. Pasta Shapes
   • Use your favorite pasta shape. Penne pasta holds sauce well, but you can also pick fusilli, rotini, or farfalle.
2. Protein Options
   • You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover grilled chicken. Adjust the cooking time as needed. If you use rotisserie chicken, add it closer to the end since it’s already cooked.
3. Flavor Boosters
   • A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne adds some zip. If you want a tangy edge, splash in a spoonful of buffalo wild wings sauce. For extra garlic flavor, add more minced garlic near the end.
4. Crockpot Variation
   • For crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, sear your chicken first in a pan, then place it in your crockpot with the broth, garlic, and seasonings. Cook on low for about 4 hours. Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese in the last 30 minutes. Finally, cook pasta according to package, and stir it in right before serving.
5. Instant Pot Variation
   • For instant pot cooking, sauté the chicken in the pot with olive oil and butter. Add the broth and pasta, then cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes. Quick release, then stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese for a creamy finish.
6. Thickness Control
   • If the sauce becomes too thick, add more chicken broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens.
7. Season Gently
   • Season the chicken early, but adjust final seasonings near the end. Parmesan cheese can be salty, so give the dish a quick taste test before adding more salt.
8. Recipe Variations
   • Swap some chicken stock for vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand. You can also add mushrooms or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

These notes help you fine-tune the dish to suit your taste. Each small tweak can change the flavor profile, making this garlic chicken pasta recipe both versatile and fun.

Conclusion

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta proves that simple ingredients can create big flavor. The combination of skinless chicken breast, parmesan cheese, and cream cheese unites to form a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that transforms plain noodles into a tasty meal. You don’t need fancy tools or cooking skills. All you need is a large pot, a little patience, and quality ingredients. Cook pasta according to package instructions, season the chicken, and let the sauce bring everything together.

This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a great choice for an easy pasta dinner any night of the week. Serve it straight from the pot, or garnish with extra parmesan and fresh herbs for a special touch. If you love home-cooked meals, make this garlic parmesan chicken to delight your family. Invite friends to share their thoughts, and let everyone enjoy the comfort that a creamy pasta dish brings.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Rebecca Blumer

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a warm and comforting dish that blends juicy chicken breast, rich parmesan cheese, and a creamy garlic sauce. This pasta dish is quick and satisfying, perfect for busy nights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4 Plates

Calories 570 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Deep Skillet

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
• 12 ounces penne pasta or preferred pasta shape

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup heavy cream or substitute with milk or chicken broth
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated

Seasoning

• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for spice

Garnish

• fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter.
• Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
• Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• Return chicken to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes until fully cooked. Slice into pieces if using whole breasts.
• Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or parmesan cheese as needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

Notes

This recipe is flexible—swap pasta shapes, adjust seasonings, or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for variety.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 570 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 42g

 

⚠️ Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.

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