There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, parmesan, and tender chicken, all swirled together with creamy pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy every carb-loving, cheese-obsessed soul. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that you can whip up in your own kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special gathering, or meal prep for the week, it’s a surefire winner.
Get ready to indulge in velvety garlic-infused sauce, juicy bites of chicken, and pasta that soaks up all that cheesy goodness. Plus, we’ll throw in some pro tips, variations, and storage hacks to make sure you get the perfect pasta dish every single time.
If you’re a pasta lover, you may also want to check out this guide on the best pasta shape to pair with shrimp for another delicious dinner idea!
Ingredients & Substitutions
The Chicken
For this recipe, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Here’s how to pick the right one:
- Chicken Breasts – Lean and easy to slice into bite-sized pieces. Cooks quickly and stays tender when prepared correctly.
- Chicken Thighs – More flavorful and juicy due to their higher fat content. If you want extra richness, this is the way to go!
- Shortcut Option: Rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked grilled chicken can make this recipe even easier. Learn more about how to best use a rotisserie chicken to make meal prep a breeze.
The Pasta
Not all pasta shapes are created equal when it comes to clinging to a creamy, cheesy sauce. Some top choices:
- Fettuccine – Classic and luxurious, perfect for thick sauces.
- Penne or Rigatoni – The ridges help capture all that garlic parmesan goodness.
- Spaghetti or Linguine – Great for a twirlable, indulgent experience.
- Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Options: Try chickpea pasta, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter twist.
Curious about whether pasta is healthy? Check out this article for some science-backed insights.
The Sauce Base
This is where the magic happens! The creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce is the heart of this dish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Butter: Unsalted is ideal so you can control the salt level.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: This gives the sauce its signature richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a nuttier, bolder flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the sauce without making it too heavy.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a little kick.
If you’re a fan of parmesan-based dishes, you might also love this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Guide for a fresh and zesty twist!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce later!
For another great pasta-based recipe, check out this Marry Me Chicken Pasta that combines creamy, sun-dried tomato goodness with perfectly seasoned chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder.
- Sear for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Want a different way to enjoy chicken in pasta? Try this Chicken Pasta Salad for a lighter yet satisfying option.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter.
- Add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 ½ cups of heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Lower the heat and add 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
For another decadent, cheese-filled dish, try this Slow Cooker Cheesy Ravioli Bake—it’s the ultimate hands-off comfort food!
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce.
- Add the sliced chicken back into the pan.
- Stir everything together, coating each bite in that rich, cheesy goodness.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with extra parmesan and fresh chopped parsley.
- A little cracked black pepper and red pepper flakes give it the perfect finishing touch.
- Serve hot and watch it disappear!
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is rich and creamy, so it pairs best with light and fresh sides:
- Garlic Bread: Because extra garlic is never a bad idea.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and tangy dressing balance out the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.
- White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect with this dish!
For another creamy and comforting recipe, don’t miss this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup—it’s perfect for cozy nights.
Nutritional Content (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 11g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 240mg |
| Calcium | 110mg |
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those timeless comfort food classics that hits the spot every single time. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy homemade dinner, prepping meals for the week, or cooking for friends and family, this recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to.
Looking for another cheesy pasta idea? You’ll love this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta—it’s loaded with steak, onions, and creamy cheese sauce!
So grab your fork and get ready to dive into a big bowl of cheesy, garlicky pasta heaven!