Silky Garlic & Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Delight

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken mingles with creamy sauce, creating a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.

Each bite promises rich, comforting notes that dance across your palate.

Perfectly seasoned chicken rests atop al dente pasta, blanketed in a luxurious parmesan coating.

Pantry staples become culinary magic in less than thirty minutes.

Crisp parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheese elevate this simple recipe from good to unforgettable.

Prepare to savor every decadent forkful of this crowd-pleasing dinner.

Tips To Level Up Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Perfect Pasta Pointers: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Tips
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Gently reheat with a splash of pasta water to restore sauce's creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap wheat pasta for gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta. Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain sauce thickness.
• Protein Power-Up: Experiment with different proteins like shrimp, turkey, or plant-based chicken substitutes for a delightful protein swap that keeps the core flavor profile intact.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, vegetable-based version that's equally delicious and lower in carbohydrates.
• Herb Garden Twist: Elevate the dish by adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives during the final mixing stage to introduce bright, aromatic notes that complement the creamy sauce.

Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Comfort-Style

• Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the creamy chicken pasta on a large shared platter, letting guests serve themselves family-style with serving spoons.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the rich pasta with a crisp, light green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce and provide fresh contrast.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious Parmesan sauce and add a delightful textural element.
• Wine Companion: Choose a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, cheesy flavors and cut through the richness of the dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 735 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredient List

• Chicken Breast: Tender white meat that provides lean protein and absorbs seasonings beautifully, select fresh cuts with minimal fat for best texture.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances chicken's flavor profile with deep, concentrated garlic essence without raw garlic's sharpness.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet undertone and beautiful reddish color to chicken's exterior.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends aromatic herbs that infuse chicken with Mediterranean-inspired flavor complexity.

• Butter: Creates rich, velvety base for sauce with luxurious mouthfeel and deep golden undertone.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers silky smooth texture and luxurious richness to sauce, ensuring decadent consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Introduces deep savory foundation and helps balance sauce's overall flavor profile.
• Flour: Acts as thickening agent, transforming liquid ingredients into luscious, clingy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken sauce with its natural proteins.

• Pasta: Serves as hearty base for absorbing creamy sauce, select medium-sized shapes like penne or fettuccine.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh contrast to rich sauce and adds vibrant green color.
• Lemon: Optional zesty element that cuts through sauce's richness and elevates overall flavor complexity.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent chicken sticking and adds subtle fruity undertone during cooking process.

What Tools Help With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and creating enough space for water.
• Large Skillet: Key tool for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce in one pan.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Whisk: Critical for blending liquids smoothly and preventing lumps in the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like flour, broth, and seasonings.
• Colander: Necessary for draining cooked pasta efficiently.

Easy Steps To Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a big pot of salty water bubbling and toss in your pasta. Cook until it’s just right, then save a splash of the water before draining. Set pasta aside for later magic.

• Spice Up the Chicken

Shake some flavor onto chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs. Heat a skillet and sizzle the chicken until it’s golden and completely cooked. Scoot the chicken to the side.

• Create Creamy Sauce Base

In the same pan, melt butter and dance some minced garlic around until it smells amazing. Sprinkle flour and stir quickly to make a smooth base.

• Build Luxurious Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and cream, whisking smoothly. Let the sauce bubble gently and thicken up into a dreamy consistency.

• Marry Cheese and Chicken

Stir Parmesan until it melts into silky goodness. Slide the chicken back into the sauce and let everything cuddle together for a couple minutes.

• Combine Final Dish

Tumble the pasta into the skillet, coating every noodle with the rich sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

• Serve with Flair

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and serve hot. Optional lemon wedges add a bright zip on the side.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Properly

• Chilled Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Quick Reheating Tricks: Warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking or sticking.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Package cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain sauce's smooth consistency.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve, combining components for a quick, delicious meal that tastes just-made.

Silky Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Indulgent Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dinners. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta or pasta of choice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, following package instructions. Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining completely.

1. Chicken Seasoning and Cooking: Combine garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to create a robust seasoning blend. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the aromatic mixture. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat and sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

1. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free roux that will serve as the sauce’s thickening agent.

1. Sauce Development: Slowly pour chicken broth into the roux, whisking constantly to maintain a smooth consistency. Add heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken into a luxurious sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until completely melted and integrated.

1. Final Assembly: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce. Combine pasta with the sauce, tossing thoroughly. If needed, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal sauce consistency.

1. Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, serve with lemon wedges to add a bright, citrusy note to the creamy creation.

Notes

• Preserve Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water before draining to rescue potentially dry sauce, using starchy liquid as a magical consistency corrector.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk constantly when adding flour and liquids to avoid lumpy, grainy sauce texture; smooth movements ensure silky results.
• Optimize Chicken Seasoning: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a perfect golden-brown exterior during searing.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for lighter version; use gluten-free flour and pasta for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 735
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 47g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 150mg