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.
Thomas Viborg says
A really nice dish. I however only used a bit more than 1 cup of heavy cream and half the Parmesan cheese, and just added a bit more pasta water. It still got very creamy. Tomorrow we Will try and add steamed broccoli to the leftovers. When the kids are home the next time, we will try the dish again. I am sure they will love it. I Never tried those pasta before. Such a nice “bite” to them. I served the chicken on the side. Thank You very much for the recipe. Greetings from Denmark
NKendrick says
Thats wonderful to hear! I am so happy the less cream variation worked for you! We do love the bow tie pasta for sure!
Susan Fenning says
I made this last night. My and I agreed it had a little bit too much parmesan and Not enough garlic. Not sure how it is called Chicken Garlic Parmesan and the recipe only have 1 tsp of garlic powder? The chicken turned out very moist.
NKendrick says
The good thing is garlic is completely adjustable....The recipe will still cook the same by adding more garlic:)
Mbali says
This is literally the best and way easy to cook😍
NKendrick says
Thank you so much!
Kee says
This recipe was easy to follow and is worth saving.
In the future, I will add salt to the sauce (I use low or no sodium broth) and fresh garlic. I found the garlic flavor lacking overall for a dish with garlic in the title.
I absolutely appreciate the cooking instructions for the chicken. I tend to over or under cook when using the stove top method in this recipe.
NKendrick says
Thank you for the detailed review. One thing I always try to do is keep my salt to a minimum in every recipe as it's something can easily be adjusted by those making the recipe. Everyone's taste buds for salt is so different and it is much easier for one to add than it is to remove it.
Kelly says
This was absolutely delicious, the whole family loves this meal, my kids ask for it weekly! So easy and so delicious it's a keeper and has a permanent spot in the recipe notebook. !!!
NKendrick says
I love to hear that! Thank you so much for sharing!
Michelle says
I made this. I LOVE THIS!!! Delicious and it lasted me a full week of dinners!!!! Do it! So easy!!
NKendrick says
So glad that you enjoyed!
Lee says
Magnificent!
NKendrick says
Thank you!
Warisha Rashid says
Great and easy recipe, highly recommended!
Lucy W says
this is for real like the best chicken pasta i’ve had (and i’ve had a lot it’s one of my favorite dishes) it’s so creamy, delicious, and all around amazing!! its super filling, and easy to make!! it fed all 5 of us and had enough for lunches tomorrow 🥰🥰 def going into my regular rotation
NKendrick says
I love to hear this! Thank you so much for sharing!
Marissa Nagle says
What is everything you would need to make this I would love to make it for my family
NKendrick says
Hi, It's in the recipe card at the bottom of the post
Virginia says
Very good, but I wouldn’t advertise it as a garlic pasta. The only garlic used is in the chicken seasonings. I couldn’t find shallots, so used minced garlic and onion powder. I’d make it again. The chicken was amazing and super moist.
Audrey G. says
This recipe was absolutely amazing!!! Made it for dinner and it took 30 minutes just like it said it would! It was super easy and delicious and I highly recommend it! 🙏🏼💕
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing, happy to hear that you enjoyed it!
Justin says
thank you so much for this recipe! i don't usually cook from scratch but i followed this step by step and it was one of the best pasta dishes i ever had. fed me and a few friends and they all said it was seriously restaurant quality. i used rigatoni because it's my favorite kind of noodle but everything else was the same.
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing! I am so pleased that you all enjoyed it!
Megan Vaughn says
I needed to do something with my chicken and came across this recipe. It was creamy and delicious and my family loved it. 10/10 would eat again
NKendrick says
Thank you so much for sharing! Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Swathi says
Chicken garlic parmesan pasta is yum. I have made it for my dinner. family approved it.