Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil), divided; 12 oz fettuccine (or preferred pasta); Salt, for pasta water; 5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (1 cup); 6-8 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; Pinch red pepper flakes (optional); ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of savory notes that dances on your palate. Imagine the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic and rich Parmesan filling your kitchen, promising a culinary delight that transcends the ordinary. Picture succulent, tender chicken breast, bathed in a velvety, creamy sauce, generously infused with fragrant garlic and sharp, nutty Parmesan cheese, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. This dish, while perhaps not steeped in ancient culinary history, has undoubtedly earned its place as a modern classic, a testament to the universal appeal of its comforting flavors.

People absolutely adore this dish for its exquisite balance of taste and texture. The juicy chicken, the pungent garlic, the umami-rich Parmesan, and the satisfying chew of the pasta create a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together effortlessly or a crowd-pleasing dish for entertaining, Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta truly delivers. It’s the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth, satisfaction, and a burst of incredible flavor with every single bite.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), or 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, plus more for seasoning

For the Pasta:

12 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or your preferred pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for tossing pasta)
Salt for pasta water

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6-8 cloves garlic, minced (I love my garlic, so I tend to go heavy here!)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth, low sodium
1 ½ cups heavy cream (full-fat is best for richness)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish (freshly grated truly makes a difference!)
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)

For Garnish:

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken for Our Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta

The chicken component is absolutely crucial for our Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta dish, so let’s make sure it’s packed with flavor and perfectly cooked. This ensures every bite of your complete meal is delightful.

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First things first, take your chicken breasts and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is often overlooked but it’s essential for achieving a beautiful sear. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken will steam rather than sear, preventing that lovely golden-brown crust we’re aiming for. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you might want to slice them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets or gently pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and a more tender result.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried Italian herbs, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over all sides of your prepared chicken breasts. Don’t be shy here; we want the chicken to carry its own robust flavor. Gently rub the seasonings into the chicken to ensure an even coating.
Sear for a Golden Crust: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works wonderfully) over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering and hot, but not smoking. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, work in batches. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until a beautiful, golden-brown crust forms. This searing step locks in juices and develops incredible flavor that truly elevates your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.
Preheat Oven and Finish Cooking: While the chicken is searing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once both sides of the chicken are nicely seared, transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) with an instant-read thermometer. Always ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is critical as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in much juicier and more tender chicken. After resting, slice the chicken into ½-inch thick strips or dice it into bite-sized pieces, according to your preference for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

The pasta is the foundation of our magnificent Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta, providing the comforting base for our creamy sauce and succulent chicken. Getting it just right is simple but important.

Boil Water: Grab a large pot, the biggest one you have available! Fill it with at least 4-6 quarts of water. Place it over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Don’t forget to salt your pasta water generously! It should taste like the ocean. Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out, which is something you can’t truly fix later with sauce. I typically add 1-2 tablespoons of salt for this amount of water.
Add Pasta: Once the water is at a vigorous boil, add your 12 ounces of fettuccine (or your chosen pasta). Stir immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together, especially important with longer strands like fettuccine or linguine.
Cook to Al Dente: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, or until it is perfectly “al dente.” Al dente means “to the tooth”—it should be firm to the bite, not mushy, but cooked through. This usually takes about 8-12 minutes for most dry pastas. Taste a strand or two a minute or so before the package suggests to ensure it’s to your liking.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, use a heat-proof measuring cup or ladle to scoop out about 1 to 1 ½ cups of the starchy pasta cooking water. This liquid is liquid gold! It contains starches that will help emulsify our sauce, making it extra creamy and helping it cling beautifully to the pasta. It’s an absolute game-changer for dishes like our Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.
Drain and Toss: Once the pasta is al dente, carefully drain it in a colander. I like to give it a quick toss with a drizzle of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) if I’m not immediately combining it with the sauce, just to prevent it from sticking, but this is optional if you’re mixing it right away.

Crafting the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce for Our Chicken And Pasta

Ah, the sauce! This is where the “Garlic Parmesan” in our Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta truly shines. A rich, velvety sauce is what brings all the elements together into a cohesive and incredibly satisfying meal. Take your time with this step; it’s the heart of the dish.

Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet you used for the chicken (if it’s clean enough, or a fresh large skillet), melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and gently bubbling, add the 6-8 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be very careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. We want it aromatic and just slightly softened.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic and melted butter. Whisk constantly for about 1 minute. This step creates a “roux,” which will act as the thickener for our sauce. Cooking the flour for a minute helps to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should form a paste.
Whisk in Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, whisking continuously. Start with a small amount of broth first to create a smooth paste, then slowly add the rest. Whisk vigorously to ensure there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately.
Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Next, pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream. Continue to whisk gently as you add it. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. If it seems too thick at this stage, don’t worry, we’ll adjust it later.
Stir in Parmesan and Season: Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Season the sauce with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. This is also the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a subtle warmth in your dish. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese will contribute to the overall flavor, so season incrementally.
Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water: If the sauce seems too thick, or if you prefer a looser consistency for coating your pasta, gradually whisk in some of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your perfect consistency. The starches in the pasta water will help the sauce emulsify beautifully and cling to the pasta. This trick is invaluable for achieving a restaurant-quality finish for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.

Assembling Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta

With all the components ready – the flavorful chicken, the perfectly cooked pasta, and the decadent creamy garlic Parmesan sauce – it’s time to bring them all together to create the magnificent Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta we’ve been working towards!

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained, al dente pasta directly into the skillet with your creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the pasta, ensuring every strand is thoroughly coated in the rich, luscious sauce. This is where the magic truly begins as the pasta absorbs some of that incredible flavor.
Incorporate the Chicken: Carefully add the sliced or diced cooked chicken into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together gently, making sure the chicken is well distributed throughout the pasta and coated in the creamy sauce. You want every forkful of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta to have a bit of everything!
Final Touches: Give the entire dish a final taste. If needed, add a little more salt or pepper. If the sauce has thickened too much upon standing, you can stir in a splash more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
Garnish and Serve Immediately: Transfer the piping hot Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta to individual serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The fresh parsley adds a wonderful pop of color and a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Tips for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta

Now that you’ve mastered creating this exquisite Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta, here are some friendly tips and serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable and to ensure every aspect is perfect, from presentation to potential variations.

Serve It Hot: This dish is truly best enjoyed immediately after assembly. The creamy sauce is at its optimal texture when warm, clinging perfectly to the pasta and chicken. As it cools, creamy sauces can tend to thicken, so don’t delay in digging in!
Ideal Pairings: To complete your meal, consider serving your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad provides a lovely counterpoint to the richness of the pasta. A side of crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is also fantastic for soaking up any extra sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind!
Enhancing the Flavor Profile:
- Extra Fresh Herbs: While parsley is a classic garnish, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chives or a very light sprinkling of fresh basil for an added layer of aroma and flavor in your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.
- Lemon Zest: A tiny bit of fresh lemon zest grated over the finished dish just before serving can brighten the flavors immensely, adding a subtle tang that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully without overpowering them.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit more heat, you can always increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Alternatively, a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into your individual serving can provide a personalized kick.
Variations for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta:
- Add Vegetables: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Consider sautéing some fresh spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli florets and stirring them into the sauce along with the chicken and pasta. They add both nutrition and vibrant color.
- Different Proteins: While chicken is our star, this creamy garlic Parmesan sauce pairs wonderfully with shrimp, or even leftover roasted turkey. Simply cook your alternative protein and stir it in at the assembly stage.
- Cheese Blend: While Parmesan is key, a touch of Pecorino Romano mixed in with the Parmesan can add a sharper, saltier dimension to the sauce.
Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers of your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta (which is a rare occurrence in my household!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating Leftovers: When reheating, I recommend doing so gently on the stovetop over low heat. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra heavy cream to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture, as it tends to thicken in the refrigerator. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving on high power, as it can sometimes cause the sauce to separate or become oily.
Focus on Freshness: For the absolute best results with your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta, always prioritize fresh ingredients, especially the garlic and the Parmesan cheese. Pre-minced garlic and pre-grated cheese simply don’t offer the same depth of flavor or texture. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into a much smoother, richer sauce.

<h2>Conclusion:</h2>
Well, my friends, we’ve journeyed through the creation of a truly magnificent dish, and I sincerely hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am about it! What we have here isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. This recipe, with its incredible balance of rich, savory notes and comforting warmth, is precisely what you need to transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary one. I truly believe it’s a masterpiece for any home cook, regardless of their skill level, and it consistently delivers on its promise of deliciousness. The tender, succulent chicken, lovingly coated in that aromatic garlic and Parmesan sauce, mingling with perfectly al dente pasta – it’s a combination that dreams are made of. It’s deeply satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly simple to master, making it a firm favorite in my kitchen and, I’m confident, it will soon be in yours too. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta isn’t merely food; it’s a hug in a bowl, a testament to how humble ingredients can achieve culinary greatness with just a little love and the right guidance.

One of the many reasons I adore this recipe is its incredible versatility. While it stands strong and proud on its own, it also plays wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences or whatever you happen to have on hand. For serving suggestions, I highly recommend pairing a generous portion of this creamy pasta with a crisp, vibrant green salad, perhaps dressed simply with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A few slices of crusty artisan bread are also an absolute must – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. If you’re looking to elevate the meal further, consider a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli; their subtle bitterness and fresh crunch provide a beautiful contrast to the savory pasta. These simple additions can truly round out the meal, making it feel complete and utterly gourmet.

<h4>Creative Variations to Explore:</h4>
But don’t stop there! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feeling adventurous? Try stirring in a handful of fresh baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added color, nutrients, and a burst of flavor. Sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers would also be delightful additions, bringing earthy notes and a touch of sweetness. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred into the sauce for a subtle kick. For a different herb profile, fresh basil, chives, or a sprinkle of dried oregano can be added along with the parsley. You could even experiment with different types of cheese – a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano, or a touch of creamy Fontina, would add a new dimension. And while chicken is the star, don’t hesitate to consider other proteins; cooked shrimp or even some crumbled Italian sausage would integrate beautifully into this luscious sauce. For those seeking a slightly lighter version, you can experiment with swapping some of the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a splash of milk, though the richness might be slightly reduced. Conversely, for an even creamier, cheesier sauce, a small dollop of cream cheese can be melted into the sauce along with the Parmesan.

Now, for the most important part: I genuinely encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try this week! Don’t let the thought of cooking intimidate you; this dish is designed for success. It’s incredibly rewarding to create something so delicious from scratch, and I promise you’ll be proud of the results. Imagine the smiles around your dinner table, the satisfied sighs after each bite – that’s what cooking is all about! Once you’ve experienced the magic of this meal, I would absolutely love to hear about it. Please come back and share your experience, your triumphs, your clever variations, and even your photos! Your feedback and stories inspire me and our entire community of food lovers. Let’s make delicious memories together, starting with this unforgettable Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta!