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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta combines tender chicken breast with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that brings comfort to any dinner table. This restaurant-quality dish takes just 30 minutes to prepare and delivers incredible flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. The aromatic garlic and nutty Parmesan cheese create a luxurious sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick 30-minute preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying fast
- Budget-friendly ingredients that cost under $15 total while serving four people generously
- Rich in protein from chicken breast, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and growth
- Versatile recipe that works beautifully for family dinners, date nights, or casual entertaining
- One-pan cooking method minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor development in every bite
Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it builds layers of flavor systematically. Cooking the chicken first creates golden-brown bits that enhance the sauce’s depth. The garlic releases its aromatic oils in the same pan, infusing the entire dish with fragrance.
The cream sauce technique ensures smooth integration without curdling. Adding Parmesan gradually while stirring creates that silky texture restaurants are known for. The pasta water’s starch content helps bind everything together perfectly.
Nutritionally, this dish provides approximately 650 calories per serving with 45 grams of protein. The combination supports muscle health while delivering satisfying comfort food appeal that works year-round.
What You’ll Need for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
---|---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 3-4 pieces (1.5 lbs) | Main protein source, provides substance and flavor |
Fresh garlic cloves | 4 cloves, minced | Aromatic base, adds depth and fragrance |
Fettuccine or spaghetti | 12 oz package | Pasta base, holds sauce well |
Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creates rich, creamy sauce foundation |
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | Adds nutty flavor and thickens sauce |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Cooking fat for chicken and garlic |
Salt and pepper | To taste | Essential seasoning for flavor enhancement |
Tools
Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
Large pot | Boiling pasta water and cooking noodles |
Large skillet | Cooking chicken and preparing sauce |
Colander | Draining cooked pasta properly |
Sharp knife | Slicing chicken and mincing garlic |
Cutting board | Safe surface for food preparation |
Wooden spoon | Stirring sauce without scratching pan |
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1. Cook the Pasta | Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup pasta water. |
2. Sauté the Chicken | In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden-brown (6-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and let rest. |
3. Add Garlic | In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn. |
4. Create the Sauce | Pour in heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. |
5. Combine Everything | Slice the cooked chicken into strips, return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta, and toss until coated in sauce. |
6. Final Touch | Add pasta water if needed for consistency. Plate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform doneness and prevent dry spots
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and richer flavor development
- Reserve pasta water before draining as its starch content helps bind the sauce perfectly
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices when slicing
- Keep heat at medium when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain smooth texture
Serving and Storage Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serving Tips
Serve this creamy garlic pasta immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper for restaurant presentation.
Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. The dish works wonderfully for family dinners, romantic evenings, or casual entertaining. Consider serving alongside our ultimate chicken casserole for larger gatherings.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. The flavors actually develop more overnight.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Overcooking the chicken creates dry, tough meat that ruins the dish’s appeal. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F exactly. Cooking on too high heat burns the garlic, creating bitter flavors throughout.
Adding cold cream to a hot pan causes curdling and grainy texture. Always reduce heat before incorporating dairy ingredients. Skipping the pasta water reserve eliminates your best tool for sauce consistency adjustment.
Using pre-shredded cheese often results in clumpy, separated sauce because of anti-caking agents. Fresh grating takes minutes but makes tremendous difference in final texture and taste quality.
You Must Know
- Chicken must reach 165°F internal temperature for food safety, but avoid overcooking for tender results
- Fresh Parmesan melts significantly better than pre-shredded varieties due to fewer additives
- Pasta water’s starch content is crucial for proper sauce binding and consistency control
- Garlic burns quickly at high temperatures, so watch carefully and adjust heat as needed
Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Transform this base recipe by adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrition. Broccoli florets work beautifully and add vibrant color contrast to the creamy white sauce.
Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold sauce well. For lighter versions, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich. Try our creamy garlic shrimp pasta for seafood variations.
Spice enthusiasts can add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano complement the garlic beautifully. Consider this chicken parmesan pasta casserole for meal prep options.
FAQs:
Yes, you can prepare components separately up to 24 hours ahead. Cook chicken and store refrigerated, then reheat gently when combining with fresh sauce and pasta for best results.
Fettuccine and spaghetti work excellently, but penne, rigatoni, or rotini also hold the creamy sauce well. Choose shapes with ridges or curves that capture the sauce effectively.
Keep heat at medium or lower when adding cream, and never let it boil vigorously. Adding cream gradually while stirring constantly also helps maintain smooth consistency.
Half-and-half works but creates a thinner sauce. Avoid milk as it may curdle. For dairy-free options, try coconut cream, though the flavor will change significantly.
Properly stored leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated in airtight containers. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creamy texture.
Conclusion
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen with simple techniques and readily available ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce creates comfort food that satisfies every time.
Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this versatile recipe adapts easily to your preferences and dietary needs. The 30-minute preparation time makes it practical for regular meal rotation while maintaining impressive presentation and flavor.
Master this fundamental technique, and you’ll have a reliable go-to recipe that never disappoints. Your family will request this satisfying pasta dish repeatedly, making it a valuable addition to your cooking repertoire.
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📖 Recipe Card

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 total while serving 1x
Description
A rich and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta featuring tender chicken breasts, aromatic garlic, and a luxurious parmesan cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pieces (1.5 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz package fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden-brown (6-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and let rest.
- Add Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into strips, return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta, and toss until coated in sauce.
- Final Touch: Add pasta water if needed for consistency. Plate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform doneness and prevent dry spots
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and richer flavor development
- Reserve pasta water before draining as its starch content helps bind the sauce perfectly
- Keep heat at medium when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain smooth texture
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 685 calories
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, italian inspired, comfort food