Chicken garlic parmesan pasta makes the perfect weeknight meal or Sunday meal prep. With minimal pantry staples, this Parmesan chicken pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! Combining seasoned chicken breast seared to perfection and then diced up into bite-sized pieces, with an irresistible creamy garlic sauce, it’s the ultimate plate of comfort food!
This cheesy, creamy chicken pasta dish is packed with lean protein in a garlic parmesan sauce and pairs well with grinder salad recipe, garlic bread, or soft bread dipped in an array of oils and herbs. With such ease of preparation, this is guaranteed to become a family favorite and the new front-runner to your dinner rotation. I can assure you it's one my whole family loves.
One of my favorite things about this garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is how rich and hearty it is, without requiring a lot of work. Its creamy, garlicky flavor is so good that everyone comes back for more, making it one of those dinner ideas perfect for a family of picky eaters!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Basic Ingredients: You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe, and you can find them all in your kitchen or at your local grocery store.
- Easy: This easy recipe is ready in just about 30 minutes and only requires a few simple steps.
- Hearty: This rich, creamy, meaty dish is the perfect hearty meal for your family, feeding up to six people.
- Budget-Friendly: This dish might taste like it was made in a restaurant, but the price tag is absolutely homemade. It's made with budget-friendly ingredients that won't break the bank.
- Kid-Approved: This simple dish is full of delicious flavors and simple ingredients that even picky kids will love.
- Versatile: It's easy to tweak this recipe to add more vegetables, make it vegan, or make it dairy free in addition to being gluten free.
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Ingredients
My go-to chicken for my family is Springer Mountain Farms skinless chicken breast. Springer Mountain Farms chicken is always gluten-free and free of hormones and antibiotics.
You can find a complete list of ingredients and their exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. I've also included some discount codes you can use to save some money!
Variations
- Chicken Tenders: Serve this recipe with cooked chicken tenders for a more takeout-style appeal.
- Chicken Thighs: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of breasts to give this parmesan pasta recipe a more robust flavor.
- Meaty Mac and Cheese: Use cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan cheese to make this more of a macaroni and cheese.
- Add Veggies: During the final stages of cooking, add fresh vegetables, like spinach, kale, or even steamed broccoli. Asparagus makes a great side as well. You can add mushrooms in the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, as well.
- Bacon: Add chopped bacon for a smoky flavor similar to this bacon smoked mac and cheese recipe. Take things to the next level of yumminess by adding grated Parmesan cheese once the pasta dinner is done cooking. One can never go wrong with freshly grated Parmesan.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to give this sauce a kick of heat that works well with its creamy texture and cheesy, garlicky flavor.
- Dairy Free: If you're lactose intolerant, use vegan dairy ingredients to create dairy free chicken alfredo version of this recipe.
How to Make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Step. 1 Boil the pasta according to the directions for al dente. Then, drain, reserving some of the pasta water. Mix the chicken seasonings in a small bowl. Then, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and coat both sides.
Step. 2 In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken in olive oil on each side until golden. Then, flip the chicken, lower the heat to medium, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board.
Step. 3 Simmer the sauce seasonings in butter in the same skillet until fragrant. Then, add the flour and stir well.
Step. 4 Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and whisk well. Then, add the Parmesan cheese, stir, and cook utnil the sauce is thickened.
Step. 5 Add the pasta and gently stir until evenly coated. Then, thin out the sauce if necessary by adding a little pasta water at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
Step. 6 Slice the chicken breasts, add them to the pasta, and gently stir to coat. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- If your sauce is too thick at the end, slowly use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. I recommend only one to two tablespoons at a time, so it doesn't become runny.
- Always add salt to your pasta water before boiling, to prevent the pasta from sticking. Additionally, you can run cold water over it after cooking.
- Make sure you have lowered the heat before adding the butter to the pan. Missing this crucial step will result in burnt butter.
- Be sure to remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches the internal temperature of 165 ℉. Then, wait for the chicken to cool completely while making the sauce. Cut the chicken once it has cooled. This will retain moisture within the chicken breasts.
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta FAQ
The seasoned, earthy flavors of chicken garlic parmesan pair well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables and garlic bread.
Short, textured noodles are best for creamy pasta recipes, such as chicken garlic parmesan. They hold the sauce well and are easier to eat than long noodles.
Yes, you can. Simply replace the butter, cream, and cheese with high-quality vegan versions for a dairy free version that's almost indistinguishable from the traditional version.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil Costabile Brand (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
- 1 ½ lb Springer mountain farms chicken breast
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika OliveNation
- 1 ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder OliveNation
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 oz gluten free farfalle pasta
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoon dry shallots (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon Gluten Free 1:1 Flour
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 12 oz shredded parmesan
- ¼ cup pasta water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil pasta according to the directions on the box for al dente.
- Place all chicken seasonings into a small bowl and mix. Paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pound chicken down to thin out slightly.
- Then season the chicken on both sides with seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat.
- Once hot, sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
- Once both sides are seared, flip the chicken and lower the heat slightly to medium low.
- Place a lid on the pan and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.
- Once the internal temperature is 165 degrees, remove the chicken from the pan and place onto a cutting board.
- Place the butter into the pan and allow it to melt.
- Once the butter is melted, add the pasta seasonings: shallots, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir well and simmer for one minute.
- Next, add in the flour and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Whisk well until a smooth and creamy sauce has been formed.
- Pour in the Parmesan cheese and stir together until completely melted.
- Allow it to cook, stirring occasionally until desired consistency is met.
- Pour in the pasta and toss well to coat evenly.
- Add pasta water one tablespoon as a time to thin out the sauce.
- Once that is done, slice the chicken breast and add them to the pasta.
- Carefully stir, then serve!
Notes
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat the entire dish in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave individual portions at 1-minute intervals.
- If your sauce is too thick at the end, slowly use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. I recommend only one to two tablespoons at a time, so it doesn't become runny.
- Always add salt to your pasta water before boiling, to prevent the pasta from sticking. Additionally, you can run cold water over it after cooking.
- Make sure you have lowered the heat before adding the butter to the pan. Missing this crucial step will result in burnt butter.
- Be sure to remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches the internal temperature of 165 ℉. Then, wait for the chicken to cool completely while making the sauce. Cut the chicken once it has cooled. This will retain moisture within the chicken breasts.
kayla says
This was delicious, but by the way it tasted like chicken Alfredo, probably t eh best ive ever had.
Nicole Kendrick says
I am so happy to hear that. Thank you for sharing!!!!!
Devin Hurley says
recipe says add flour but does not have flour included in the ingredients or the measurements uh
Nicole Kendrick says
Hello, if you look in the recipe card at the bottom, it states 2TBSP GF flour.
Alana says
I made this for my family and it tasted so good. Definitely gonna make it again
Nicole Kendrick says
So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for sharing, Alana!
Giselle Cota says
Está realmente deliciosa, y muy fácil de preparar
Nicole Kendrick says
Muchas gracias! Que tengas un día increíble!
Leelo says
It's so delicious, really nice and easy to cook 🫶❣️
I added cooked potatoes and a Mix of parmesan and other grated cheese, and instead of Thymian took rosemary to this wonderful dish ~ very many thxoxo for Your recipe ☺️
Nicole Kendrick says
Wow, I love the spin you added to it!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Kristen Astrup says
This is an unbelievably delicious meal. I found that adding a red bell pepper and chopped portobello mushrooms really elevates the texture and flavors. It’s also okay to leave out the shallots, as I’ve tried it both ways and it’s still amazing. It’s a very versatile dish and I can’t way to play around with it more. Five stars is NOT enough!
Nicole Kendrick says
Thank you so much, I am happy to hear that you loved it!!
Max says
Could have been better, tasted like water. I’m not pleased
Nicole Kendrick says
Considering the amount of ingredients and the amount of people that enjoyed this recipe I would have to say you must have been having a less than good day when you left this review, or a disgruntled social media viewer. However, thank you for your feedback:)
Samantha says
What can I replace the dry shallots with? That’s not something I keep on hand but I want to make this soon.
Nicole Kendrick says
Hi, Sorry for the delay, I was recovering from surgery. You can use a purple onion in its place!
Elizabeth says
This recipe was amazingly good brought back my love for cooking. This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a definite must try...!😊
Terri says
I served this for guests last weekend, and everybody raved about it. The day after leftovers were doubly good! This is an addicting meal.
Nicole Kendrick says
Love to hear this!!!
Wren Walker says
Can I make in crockpot?
Nicole Kendrick says
Yes, I would just cook the pasta separately then add at the end!
Leticia Iturriaga says
Amazing!! Not hard at all, everything is very straightforward and it turned out super yummy! My family and I gives it an A+!
QPbmCRVM says
1
Nani Leeks says
The recipe came out good, however, I did have a few gripes. For one, the recipe did not yield enough sauce for the dish to resemble the picture. Due to this, I recommend doubling the sauce recipe. Also, manage your time well so your noodles don't get cold. Overall great recipe and 100% would make again!
Nicole Kendrick says
It seems as though you may have simmered the sauce too long as There is usually extra sauce. Also, the reserved pasta water is listed in the recipe to thin your sauce incase this happens. Maybe try simmering for less time next time. I am glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Nikitta says
This recipe was so good my family begged me to make it all the time and I give in thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe recipe looking forward to other ones that I can make
Nicole Kendrick says
I am so happy to hear that they loved it!!!
Kristine Hamilton says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!