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!
Quick Look: Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- ⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
- 🍲 Servings: 10 servings
- ⚡ Calories: 521 calories per serving
- 🍂 Flavor Profile: Deep notes of garlic with creamy parmesan and salty bacon
- 👌 Difficulty: Easy - Perfect pasta each time it comes off the stove
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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 ids 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.
Vickie Smallwood says
Delicious. It was quick and easy. I added a little too much salt and will need to get more heavy cream to add to the leftovers to blend it out.
NKendrick says
That’s one positive is this dish can definitely make enough for leftovers!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Aixa says
Kid and parent approved!! I made this while my parents were visiting and it was an absolute hit. My parents kept raving about how flavorful it is. I decided to make it again for the kiddos and they devoured it. They went back for seconds and there were no leftovers left. One pan, easy to make, lots of flavor and richness. 10/10!!
NKendrick says
I love to hear this! So glad everyone enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing!!
Lisa says
My husband and I made this recipe last night for dinner. It was utterly amazing - so flavorful and really easy. There was enough left so have for leftovers tonight and he is taking the last of it for lunch tomorrow. Thank you for sharing this!!
NKendrick says
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing with me!! So happy to hear that you guys loved it! Can never go wrong with left overs, either?
Kelly McDowell says
What ingredients are the pasta seasoning?
NKendrick says
Hi! The breakdown of ingredients is listed at the very bottom in the instructions. As it tells you to mix, it will state each ingredient! Hope that helps!
leanna says
oh my this was so so good
NKendrick says
THANK YOU!!
leanna says
oh my this was so so good 😍
Angel says
Made this for dinner tonight and oh man. It was incredible. The seared chicken really pulled everything together. The crispy seasonings on the outside just… *chefs kiss*. And for the record I do not enjoy cooking. But this dish is insanely easy and the end result is well worth the (minimal) effort. This one is definitely going to be a staple dish going forward.
NKendrick says
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! So happy to hear you enjoyed it and that you found the recipe easy to follow!
Kathleen Audy says
I found this recipe easy to follow and make. My whole family loved the recipe!
Melissa says
If you loved it why only 3 stars??
NKendrick says
I was wondering the same thing, lol.
Kenyatta Hanson says
This was super delicious! The recipe was able to feed my family of 6. We now have a family favorite!😍
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing, and including that it fed your family of six. I am so happy you guys enjoyed it!
Trinity McLachlin says
Absolutely delicious!
Shannon says
I hate cooking and decided I’d give this dish a try, it was easy to follow and VERY tasty, I will make it again and add veggies. Simple, and will be great for leftovers tomorrow.
NKendrick says
Awe!!! Thank you so very much for sharing this with me. I love that you took a chance on it and it came out well for you! The majority of my recipes here are pretty easy to follow and come together quickly! Minus the baking ones of course, lol
Kourtney Reid says
This dish was amazing! 😻 I added broccoli to mine and the sauce, chicken and noodles came out beyond delicious! Definitely coming back for more recipes to make in the future - thank you mama Nicole 🫶🏾.
NKendrick says
Awe!!!! Thank you SO SO much!! I am so happy to read this and love that you added broccoli! Happy to have you here in my kitchen, always!
Rob Chapman says
I tried this recipe a couple of days ago and I've got to say it was absolutely delicious! My girlfriend was well impressed which is always a bonus 😂 also the recipe was super simple to follow. I will definitely be making this again 👌
NKendrick says
I love this!!! Thank you so much for sharing with me! And glad she was happy!!!
Ashlyn Garcia says
This was absolutely amazing!! Made it last night and lovedddd ittt. Literally my new comfort meal!
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing!!! Love to hear that!
Kimberly says
I made this pasta tonight and it was SO good! Definitely adding this into our family rotation because the kids approved! I used fresh shallots because my local store didn’t have dried. Thanks for sharing on your instagram!
NKendrick says
This is so wonderful! Thank you for sharing that you used freshed shallots!!!
Kailey says
I made this recipe today and I loved it!
The chicken was great and the pasta and the sauce came out really tasty. I’m not much of a cook but it was an easy and delicious dinner to make!
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing! Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Jarrell says
i made this recipe for my family and they loved it. Even my toddlers, who are very picky eaters loved it. Thank you! Thank you!
NKendrick says
Wonderful!! Thank you so much for sharing with me! I love that the picky eaters enjoyed it!!
Shamaria says
I made this pasta last night but I added spinach and a jar of julienned sun dried tomatoes to the sauce. It was fantastic. I actually got my veggie phobic son to eat seconds. My entire family loved it!!!!
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing your rendition!!! I’m so happy to hear your family loved it!