Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Easy, Creamy & Cheesy One-Pot Dinner

When you’re craving something warm, rich, and absolutely comforting, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the answer. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish combines juicy bites of seasoned chicken with a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce, all wrapped around perfectly tender pasta. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a full-blown flavor experience that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking for a satisfying one-pot meal, or planning an impressive dish for guests, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it delivers maximum flavor without the stress. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this dish shine.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

There are endless reasons to fall in love with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, but here are the top highlights:

• Easy to make: Simple steps and accessible ingredients make this a beginner-friendly dish.
• Rich flavor: A creamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
• One-pan meal: Fewer dishes to clean means more time to enjoy your dinner.
• Customizable: Swap out pasta types, add veggies, or spice it up to your liking.

This is the kind of comfort food you’ll want to put on repeat.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta such a knockout dish:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a bold, aromatic kick.
• Italian seasoning: Adds that classic herbal background.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that makes a big difference.
• Butter: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
• Heavy cream: For ultra-creamy consistency.
• Penne pasta: Holds onto the sauce beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese: The star of the show. Use freshly grated if possible.
• Mozzarella cheese (optional): For added meltiness and cheesy texture.
• Fresh parsley: A touch of green for garnish and freshness.

All of these come together to create a balanced, irresistible meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Make the Sauce Base

Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This forms the creamy, flavorful foundation of your sauce.

4. Add the Pasta

Add the 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta directly into the sauce. Stir to prevent sticking, then let it cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

5. Incorporate the Cheese

Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella (if using). Continue stirring until everything is melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Combine Chicken and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat each piece in the sauce. Let everything warm together for 2–3 minutes.

7. Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting bowl of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Use fresh garlic. Jarred garlic is convenient but won’t give you the same depth of flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. It continues to cook slightly as it sits in the sauce.
• Freshly grate your cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts.
• Make it spicy. Add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
• Include veggies. Spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.

Variations and Add-Ons

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp, sausage, or even rotisserie chicken.
• Change the pasta: Fettuccine, rotini, or rigatoni work just as well.
• Go low-carb: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or cooked cauliflower.
• Add vegetables: Mushrooms, peas, kale, or roasted red peppers complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Make it baked: Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Storing and Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy pasta with sides that complement its richness:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks for that extra carby goodness.
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrition.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. You can mix milk with a bit of cream cheese or flour to thicken it.

Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. The texture may change slightly upon reheating.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Definitely! Skip the chicken and use veggies or meat substitutes.

Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and cheese are gluten-free.

Q: What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
A: Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be good substitutes, but the flavor will vary.

Q: Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
A: You can cook the chicken and prep the sauce base ahead. Just cook the pasta fresh for best texture.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite. From the golden-seared chicken to the luxurious cream sauce loaded with garlic and cheese, this dish brings serious flavor and comfort to the table.

It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to master and impossible to forget. Add it to your meal rotation and prepare to fall in love with the creamy, garlicky, cheesy magic of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

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