Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate answer to comfort food cravings. Creamy, rich, and deeply savory, this dish combines juicy pan-seared chicken with perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming and simple enough for weeknights while still feeling special enough for guests.

This recipe focuses on bold garlic flavor balanced by the nutty saltiness of parmesan cheese and the luxurious texture of cream. Unlike heavier Alfredo sauces, this garlic parmesan sauce clings to the pasta without becoming greasy, creating a satisfying yet balanced dish that keeps people coming back for seconds.

Whether served as a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for entertaining, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta consistently delivers rich flavor with approachable ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Is So Popular

This dish has become a staple in home kitchens for good reason. It checks all the boxes modern cooks want:

Creamy but not overly heavy
Packed with garlic and parmesan flavor
Quick enough for busy evenings
Adaptable to different pasta shapes and add-ins

Garlic and parmesan are a timeless pairing. When combined with tender chicken and pasta, they create a deeply comforting dish that feels both familiar and elevated.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 ¼ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, simmering gently.
Gradually stir in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken, tossing to coat evenly.
Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
Garnish with parsley and additional parmesan before serving.

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Use freshly grated parmesan for smooth sauce
Avoid boiling the cream to prevent separation
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Variations and Add-Ins

Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms
Protein swap: Shrimp or turkey
Spicy kick: Red pepper flakes
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream

Serving Suggestions

Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore texture.

Why This Dish Works

The combination of garlic, parmesan, and cream creates a sauce that coats pasta beautifully without masking the flavor of the chicken. Each component supports the others, resulting in a well-balanced comfort dish.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy garlic parmesan pasta with tender chicken and rich flavor.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 610