Dreamy Silky Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe For You

Creamy, aromatic garlic parmesan chicken pasta swirls with pure comfort on every forkful.

This classic dish combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, velvety sauce.

Salt and herbs dance through each delectable bite, creating a symphony of flavors.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together with simple ingredients.

Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding depth and irresistible richness.

The golden-brown chicken provides a protein-packed centerpiece that elevates the entire plate.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious – you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Pasta Done Right

• Fresh Salad Companion: Pair this rich pasta with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce and add refreshing brightness.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread alongside the dish to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, whose subtle flavors will enhance the creamy garlic Parmesan notes without overpowering the meal.
• Green Herb Sprinkle: Top the pasta with extra fresh parsley or basil leaves just before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor that lifts the entire dish.

Keep Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Fresh and Tasty

• Keep leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated pasta dishes stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture when sealed properly.
• Portion the chicken pasta into freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a tablespoon of broth or cream to prevent drying. Microwave works too – cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Prepare chicken and sauce separately. Store chicken and sauce in different containers. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve, ensuring maximum taste and preventing soggy noodles. Mix components just before eating for restaurant-quality freshness.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe uses mild spices like garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. These seasonings add flavor without significant heat, making it suitable for people who prefer mild dishes.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This creamy sauce works well with various pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Choose a pasta that can hold the sauce nicely.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut into the thickest piece to ensure there’s no pink in the center.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. For a lighter version, use milk and add a bit more Parmesan cheese to maintain creaminess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 748 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty base, choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking and tender texture.

• Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly, select medium-sized shapes like penne or fettuccine that catch sauce easily.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Creates a robust flavor profile, ensuring every bite is packed with aromatic spices.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall taste, use freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor intensity.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for the sauce, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates silky consistency, all-purpose flour works best.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid base, choose low-sodium for balanced flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce, full-fat version recommended.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, nutty notes to the dish, freshly grated delivers superior melting quality.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herbal touch, chop finely for even distribution.
• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing environment for chicken, extra virgin provides best flavor.

• Lemon: Offers zesty brightness, fresh wedges can cut through richness of the creamy sauce.

Tools That Help This Chicken Pasta Shine

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Large skillet: Crucial for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and parsley.
• Chef's knife: Used for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately measure seasonings and spices.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing pasta and sauce.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for seasoning chicken before cooking.

Start Cooking That Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Get a big pot, fill it with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Save a cup of the starchy water before draining.

• Season and Sizzle Chicken

Mix chicken pieces with zesty spices like garlic powder, paprika, and herbs. Heat some olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

• Craft the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and stir quickly to create a smooth base for your sauce.

• Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and cream, whisking constantly to create a silky, luxurious sauce. Let it bubble gently and thicken up nicely.

• Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into the sauce. Slide the cooked chicken back into the pan and let everything get acquainted.

• Bring It All Together

Toss the pasta into the creamy mixture, making sure every piece is generously coated. If it looks too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

• Serve and Enjoy

Dish out your creamy pasta, and if you’re feeling fancy, scatter some fresh herbs on top. Dig in while it’s hot!

Flavor Boosts for Your Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Roast whole garlic cloves before mincing to create deeper, sweeter flavor that enhances the entire sauce profile.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or tofu for diverse protein options that keep the recipe exciting and adaptable.
• Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to craft a delicious dairy-free alternative that doesn't sacrifice richness.
• Prepare the sauce and chicken separately, storing them in refrigerator for up to 3 days, then quickly reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta for a speedy weeknight meal.

Silky Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal that combines tender chicken with rich, cheesy sauce. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying dinner you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta or pasta of choice
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted pot of water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving one cup of starchy liquid before draining completely.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Blend garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the aromatic spice mixture.
3. Protein Searing: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Introduce seasoned chicken, achieving a golden-brown crust and ensuring complete cooking (5-7 minutes). Set aside cooked chicken on a separate plate.
4. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle flour to create a smooth roux, whisking continuously to prevent clumping.
5. Sauce Development: Gradually pour chicken broth, whisking to eliminate lumps. Stream in heavy cream, creating a velvety base. Simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken and intensify in flavor.
6. Cheese Integration: Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce reaches a luxurious, silky consistency. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
7. Final Assembly: Combine pasta with the skillet contents, ensuring complete sauce coverage. Adjust sauce density using reserved pasta water if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

Enhance Chicken Texture: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and achieve a perfectly crispy exterior when searing.

Prevent Sauce Separation: Maintain low-medium heat while adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling, creating a smooth, velvety sauce consistency.

Customize Pasta Preferences: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat varieties for dietary accommodations without compromising the recipe’s rich flavor profile.

Boost Nutritional Value: Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers directly into the sauce for added nutrition and color variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 860
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 52g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 190mg