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.
Claudia says
Wow, I whipped up your chicken garlic parmesan pasta recipe tonight, and it was a hit with the family! Thanks for sharing such a delicious meal idea!
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with me. I’m so happy everyone enjoyed the recipe!
DK says
This creamy pasta is so delicious! Savory, rich and very hearty - it's one of our favorite weekend meals!
Sonia says
Thank you for this recipe - my friends absolutely loved this!
Andre says
I made this 2 weeks ago, and my family loved it. The smoke paprika chicken was well cooked so that my lil sis told me that it was better than my mom's chicken when she made pasta. Best compliment 😂
Lathiya says
The chicken parmesan pasta was spectacular. I loved how you gave the substitutions and tips to make this recipe perfect.
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. It brings me such joy to know that you enjoyed it.
Alexandra says
Love this creamy, flavoursome sauce. With the chicken and pasta, it is a wonderful complete meal with a green salad alongside. Just so delicious!
Jacqueline Debono says
Such a flavorful recipe. I loved that you made it gluten free too!
Nisha says
Wow, this looks so delicious, saving this recipe to make for my kids who love chicken parmesan pasta.
Claudia Cristina Ciorteanu says
Yum! Your Chicken Garlic Parmesan looks fantastic! Can't wait to try your recipe at home. Thanks for sharing!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
This is a rich and delicious main dish bowl!! I loved the garlic - and it's so easy to make!! Pinned!
Alexandra says
This was an absolutely delicious recipe, and one that the whole family enjoyed! Great flavours, love the added protein from the chicken, and so creamy! Yum!
Tiffany says
This was a hit for my family! We loved the flavor!
NKendrick says
Wonderful, thank you so much for sharing with me!
Nora says
Awesome pasta recipe! Perfect for the whole family! Thank you! It was delicious!
Tahani Lopez says
It was so delicious! My little brother asked what it was called so he knows to ask for when he's craving it lol!😂
NKendrick says
I love this!! Thank you so much for sharing with me!
Justine says
Made it for dinner, my husband said it was restaurant quality! I added some white wine at the same time as the chicken broth. Also added mushrooms a couple mins before the the parm and baby spinach just before adding the noodles. Was a great way to add some veggies to an already delicious dish! 😋
NKendrick says
Justine , thank you so much for sharing with me your recipe variation. It sounds absolutely amazing and I’m going to have to try it this way, so glad you enjoyed it!
Christine Sprusansky says
I made this recipe tonight and I gotta say, it was absolutely amazing! It tastes as good as it looks! I cannot cook to save my life and this, well let’s just say: fast, easy and delicious! 5 out 5 all day every day!
NKendrick says
Christine, thank you so very much for your detailed review. I love that this recipe was easy for you to follow and to accomplish. I try to make all of my dinner recipes here just as easy to follow!! so happy to hear that you enjoyed this one!