Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: 10 Minute Wonder

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has been my go-to for a quick, delicious meal that always impresses. I remember the first time I made it – the aroma of garlic and melting Parmesan filled my kitchen, and my family devoured every bite! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting, creamy pasta dish. It’s so satisfying, you’ll wonder why you ever bought takeout. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly creamy and satisfying.
The savory garlic and Parmesan flavors are irresistible.
It’s a truly Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that anyone can master.
You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it a Quick Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta option.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore.
The tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta create a delightful texture.
It feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Gathering these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. I always find that using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference in the sauce’s creaminess and flavor. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts are perfect, but thighs work too if you prefer. Don’t worry about having pasta water on hand; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce if it gets too thick, but this recipe is pretty forgiving!

12 oz penne pasta – or your favorite pasta shape
2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the chicken
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized cubes
1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that initial garlic punch
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – adds a lovely herby note
1 teaspoon paprika – for color and a hint of sweetness
1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best
4 cloves garlic, minced – the star of our garlic sauce!
2 tablespoons butter – for richness and sautéing
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – to thicken our creamy sauce
2 cups chicken broth – the liquid base for the sauce
1 1/2 cups heavy cream – for that luxurious, creamy texture
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the essential cheesy goodness
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – adds extra meltiness
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for a fresh garnish

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Learning how to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is simpler than you think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. We’ll get this delicious meal on your table in about 30 minutes!

Step 1: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once drained, I like to toss it with just a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking while we make the sauce.
Step 2: Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your cubed chicken with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the seasoned chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked all the way through, which usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Once it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: In that same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute until you can smell its amazing fragrance – be careful not to burn it!
Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter. Stir it constantly for another minute to create a simple roux. This is what will give our sauce that lovely thickness.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the 2 cups of chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Keep whisking until the sauce starts to thicken. Then, gradually add the 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Now for the best part: add the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is rich and luscious. This is where the magic happens for that perfect chicken pasta with garlic and parmesan cheese flavor.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta and the reserved chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are completely coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 8: Garnish your beautiful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy this fantastic dish!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

I’ve made this dish countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. They ensure you get that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor every single time you whip up this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

For the creamiest sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
Don’t skip the step of cooking the flour with the butter and garlic for a minute; this helps to cook out the raw flour taste and create a smoother roux.
If your sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta and chicken, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. The starch in the water helps to emulsify the sauce and make it silky smooth.

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

The secret to a truly perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the balance of flavors and the creamy sauce base. Using fresh garlic and good quality Parmesan makes a huge difference. I also found that using a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a richer, more luxurious sauce than just one or the other. For more tips on cooking techniques, you can check out our recipes.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

You can prepare most of the components ahead of time for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Cook the chicken and the pasta separately, and make the sauce. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, then toss in the cooked chicken and pasta. You might need to add a little extra liquid (broth or milk) to loosen the sauce.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

A common mistake is overcooking the garlic, which can make it bitter. Sauté it briefly until fragrant. Also, don’t boil the sauce vigorously after adding the cream and cheese; a gentle simmer is best to prevent separation. Finally, avoid overcooking the pasta; aim for al dente since it will cook a bit more in the sauce. For more cooking advice, visit our about page.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is so versatile! It stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal, but I love pairing it with a crisp side salad or some steamed broccoli to add a fresh element. For a richer experience, you can think of it as a delicious alternative to Chicken Alfredo with Garlic Parmesan. Imagine serving this with crusty garlic bread for dipping into that incredible sauce – pure heaven!

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

Calories: 645 kcal
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 620 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, you can consult resources on nutrition guidelines.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is so good, you’ll definitely want to save some for later! After you’ve enjoyed your delicious meal, let the pasta cool down completely before storing. I like to divide it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is super simple. For refrigerated portions, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to refresh the sauce and bring back that creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using either of these methods. For more storage tips, check out our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pieces of chicken and pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and often cream or milk. It’s a popular Italian-American creation that’s celebrated for its savory taste and satisfying texture, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners.

Is this recipe truly a simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be straightforward and achievable even for beginner cooks. With clear steps and common pantry ingredients, you can create a delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta from scratch in about 30 minutes, proving that restaurant-quality flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques. You can find more simple recipes on our homepage.

Can I make modifications to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ingredients?

Yes, you can! Feel free to swap out the penne for fettuccine or spaghetti, or add your favorite vegetables like spinach or broccoli florets. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. These adjustments allow you to customize this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta dish to your personal taste.

How does this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta compare to Chicken Alfredo?

While both are creamy pasta dishes, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta often has a more pronounced garlic flavor and a slightly lighter sauce than traditional Chicken Alfredo. The addition of chicken and a robust garlic-Parmesan base gives it a distinct character that many find irresistible.

Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love experimenting with variations of this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Making a truly Homemade Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta means you can tailor it to your exact preferences. For those seeking an even richer experience, try making it extra Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta by adding a touch more heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk thickened with a bit more flour. You can also reduce the cheese slightly or use a lower-fat Parmesan.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, wilted spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in Step 3 for a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
Lemon Zest: For a brighter, fresher flavor profile, stir in the zest of one lemon at the end. It cuts through the richness beautifully.