Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 ½ teaspoons paprika; 1 ½ teaspoons oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon thyme; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; 12 oz gluten free farfalle pasta; 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoons dry shallots; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons Gluten Free 1:1 Flour; 3 cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta – just uttering those words conjures images of creamy, comforting deliciousness, doesn’t it? This beloved dish is far more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, a culinary hug that satisfies the soul. While its specific combination might not hail from ancient Italian trattorias, the spirit of this magnificent creation certainly does. It brilliantly brings together timeless, cherished ingredients like rich Parmesan cheese and robust garlic, which have graced tables for centuries, with the universally loved chicken and pasta. This ingenious fusion has evolved into a modern classic, a testament to how simple, quality components can combine to create something truly extraordinary and universally adored.

Why This Dish Reigns Supreme

I believe its immense popularity stems from several irresistible factors. The intoxicating aroma of sautéed garlic is merely the prelude to an unforgettable dining experience. Then comes the luxurious, velvety sauce, exquisitely infused with the nutty, salty essence of freshly grated Parmesan, clinging perfectly to every strand of al dente pasta. Add to this the tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, and you have a symphony of flavors and textures that is both deeply satisfying and surprisingly straightforward to prepare. It’s the ultimate weeknight hero, promising a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just embarking on your culinary journey, mastering Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a delightful milestone that promises countless delicious meals.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 2 large (about 1.5 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded to even thickness
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Pasta:
- 12-16 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or your preferred pasta shape
- 1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced (yes, that much! It’s Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta after all!)
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio), optional, but highly recommended for depth, or an additional ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, for a subtle kick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional, for brightness

Preparing the Chicken

My journey to the perfect Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta always begins with the star protein – the chicken. I find that taking a little extra care here really elevates the entire dish.

First, I like to prepare my chicken. If you’re using chicken breasts, I suggest slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or pounding them gently between two pieces of plastic wrap until they are about ½-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly, preventing them from drying out. If using thighs, just ensure they are trimmed of any excess fat.
In a medium bowl, I combine the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This is my go-to blend for imparting a foundational savory flavor to the chicken. I sprinkle this mixture generously over both sides of the chicken pieces, making sure they’re well coated. I sometimes let them sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature while I gather the rest of my ingredients; this allows the seasoning to really sink in.
Next, I heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be nice and hot so that when the chicken hits it, it immediately starts to sear and develop that beautiful golden-brown crust.
Once the oil is shimmering, I carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature, leading to steamed chicken rather than beautifully seared chicken. I sear the chicken for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until it’s perfectly golden brown and cooked through. To be sure, I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check; it should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Once cooked, I transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and cover it loosely with foil. This resting period is crucial! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite of your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is tender and moist. I let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes.
After resting, I slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin strips, depending on how I want it to integrate into the pasta. I then set it aside, ready to be reunited with the creamy sauce later.

Cooking the Pasta

The pasta is, of course, the backbone of any great pasta dish, and our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is no exception. Getting the pasta just right is essential for a harmonious texture.

While the chicken is cooking or resting, I bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. And when I say a large pot, I mean a really generous one – the pasta needs space to move freely and cook evenly.
Once the water is vigorously boiling, I add a generous tablespoon of salt. Don’t skip this step! Salting the pasta water is critical because it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself from the inside out. The water should taste like the sea, or at least a very salty broth. This ensures the pasta is flavorful, not bland.
I then add my chosen pasta shape – fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work wonderfully for soaking up that rich sauce. I stir the pasta immediately to prevent it from sticking together.
I cook the pasta according to the package directions, but I always aim for al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. I usually start tasting it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time. For this dish, it’s particularly important because the pasta will finish cooking briefly in the sauce.
Before draining, I make sure to reserve about 1 to 1 ½ cups of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is liquid gold! It’s crucial for achieving the perfect consistency for our creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, helping to emulsify the sauce and thin it out if needed, while also adding extra flavor and starch.
Finally, I drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. I try not to rinse it, as rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling beautifully to each strand.

Crafting the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now for the heart and soul of our dish: the glorious, rich, and intensely flavorful creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This is what truly makes it Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta!

Using the same skillet that I cooked the chicken in (those little browned bits are packed with flavor, so don’t clean it!), I add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. I let the butter melt slowly, allowing it to coat the bottom of the pan and begin to bubble gently.
Once the butter is melted and sizzling, I add the star ingredient: the minced garlic. I cook the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be very careful not to burn the garlic here! Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the entire sauce. You want it to be golden and aromatic, not dark brown. This ample amount of garlic is really going to define the flavor profile of our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
If I’m using white wine, this is where it comes in. I pour in the ½ cup of dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This process is called deglazing, and it adds an incredible depth of flavor to the sauce. I let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing most of the alcohol to evaporate and the liquid to reduce slightly. If you’re skipping the wine, you can add an additional ½ cup of chicken broth here instead and let it reduce for a couple of minutes.
Next, I pour in the 1 ¾ cups of chicken broth. I bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce by about a third. This concentrates the flavors and prepares the base for our creamy texture.
Now for the creaminess! I stir in the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream. I bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. You’ll notice the sauce starting to coat the back of your spoon, which is a good sign!
Once the sauce has thickened to my liking, I reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Using freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable for me in this dish! Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty, whereas fresh Parmesan melts beautifully into a smooth, luxurious consistency. I stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, making the sauce wonderfully smooth and velvety.
At this stage, I add the optional ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if I want a little warmth and subtle heat in my Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
Finally, I season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese already contribute some saltiness, so I always taste before adding too much. I aim for a perfectly balanced savory flavor that highlights the garlic and cheese.

Combining and Finishing the Dish

The final act brings all these delicious components together into one truly irresistible Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

With the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce simmering gently on low heat, I add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.
I then gently fold in the sliced cooked chicken pieces. I want everything to be thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce.
Using tongs, I toss the pasta, chicken, and sauce together, ensuring every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken is enveloped in the rich, creamy goodness. I continue tossing for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and the flavors to meld beautifully.
If the sauce seems too thick at this point (and it often does, as the pasta will soak it up), I add some of the reserved starchy pasta water, a quarter cup at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches my desired consistency. This starchy water is magic; it helps to thin the sauce without diluting the flavor and creates an even silkier texture.
Just before serving, I like to stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, if I’m using it. This is an optional step, but I find that a little squeeze of lemon adds a wonderful brightness and cuts through the richness of the cream, making the dish feel lighter and more vibrant. It truly elevates the overall flavor profile of the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
I do a final taste test and adjust the seasoning one last time, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
To serve, I divide the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta among bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. A final sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese is also a must for that authentic Italian-American touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

This recipe, my friends, isn’t just another dish; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a vibrant symphony of flavors that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your rotation. I truly believe that once you experience the creamy richness, the robust garlic punch, and the savory chicken mingling with al dente pasta, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about it. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet delight, designed to impress without demanding hours in the kitchen. We’re talking about a dish that effortlessly brings joy to the dinner table, making weeknights feel a little more special and weekend gatherings a lot more delicious. The secret lies in its simplicity, allowing each core ingredient to shine brilliantly, creating a harmonious and utterly addictive experience that will leave everyone at the table utterly satisfied.

What we’ve crafted here is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The focus keyword,

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

, perfectly encapsulates its essence: tender, juicy chicken, infused with aromatic garlic, blanketed in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, all embracing perfectly cooked pasta. This isn’t just a plate of food; it’s an invitation to savor, to enjoy, and to share. It delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and pure, unadulterated satisfaction. Every forkful is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, when treated with a little love and the right technique, can create something truly extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish that prompts quiet sighs of contentment around the table, a testament to its irresistible appeal and its ability to become an instant family favorite. You’ll find yourself craving this delightful combination again and again.

Now, while this dish is absolutely magnificent on its own, a few thoughtful additions can elevate your dining experience even further. I love serving my Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta alongside a crisp, vibrant green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette; the acidity beautifully cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, providing a refreshing counterpoint. A basket of warm, crusty bread, perhaps a garlic ciabatta or a rustic sourdough, is also a non-negotiable for me – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible, flavorful sauce. For a slightly more upscale presentation, consider a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceousness, or even some finely grated lemon zest right before serving for a bright finish. If you’re hosting, a simple chilled white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the flavors wonderfully, enhancing the overall dining experience without overpowering the star of the show. For a heartier side, some steamed green beans or asparagus tossed in butter and a squeeze of lemon juice would be fantastic.

One of the most exciting aspects of this recipe is its incredible versatility. Don’t feel limited to the exact ingredients; feel free to make it your own! For a vegetarian twist, you could easily omit the chicken and instead sauté some mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to fold into the sauce, perhaps even adding some roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will introduce a delightful warmth that brightens the entire dish, or you could even incorporate some finely diced jalapeño. Experiment with different pasta shapes – while fettuccine or linguine are classics, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle would work beautifully, each offering a slightly different textural experience that can change the way the sauce clings. If you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lemon juice at the very end can add a bright, zesty finish that really makes the flavors sing, enhancing the garlic and Parmesan notes. And for cheese lovers, why stop at Parmesan? A blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano could add a sharper, saltier kick, or a touch of cream cheese could make the sauce even silkier and more indulgent. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this masterpiece to your personal preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand, ensuring it becomes your signature dish.

So, I urge you, don’t just dream about this dish; make it! Set aside an evening this week, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the delightful process of creating this incredible meal. I promise you, the effort is minimal, and the reward is immense. You’re not just cooking; you’re creating memories, you’re nourishing loved ones, and you’re treating yourself to a truly exceptional culinary experience. Once you’ve had the pleasure of tasting your homemade version, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, come back and share your thoughts, your successes, and any creative twists you added. Did you try a new vegetable? Did you use a different type of cheese? Did your family rave about it? Did you pair it with a specific wine? Your feedback and shared experiences are what truly make our cooking community vibrant and inspiring, and I cannot wait to see your creations and hear your stories.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about preparing a meal that brings genuine smiles and contented murmurs to the table, and I am confident this recipe will do just that for you. It’s a testament to simple, delicious food done right, proving that extraordinary flavors don’t always require extraordinary effort. So, go forth, conquer your kitchen, and indulge in the pure joy of this amazing pasta. Happy cooking, everyone!