Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Creamy, Rustic, and Absolutely Irresistible
There’s something downright magical about garlic, parmesan, and pasta coming together in one pan. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to make the best garlic parmesan chicken pasta you’ve ever tasted. From why this recipe works to how to avoid common mistakes, you’ll walk away fully prepped for a delicious dinner that feels comforting, rustic, and a little indulgent. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking to impress, this one’s got your back.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with golden-seared chicken breasts and a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce. Easy and full of comfort.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken in half lengthwise to create 4 thin pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and tent loosely with foil.
3. Add flour and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth or wine. Whisk to deglaze the pan and reduce by half.
5. Stir in the heavy cream. Let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove skillet from heat and stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece. Garnish with parsley and serve with pasta.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and consistency.
If using wine, choose a dry white such as Pinot Grigio.
Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Let me tell you this recipe has become a go-to in my home, especially when the air turns crisp and everyone starts craving something warm and filling. I still remember one October night after a long supper club in Asheville. We’d been playing around with smoky meats and spicy collards, and I just wanted something creamy, mellow, and packed with garlic.
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta was born out of that craving.
It’s cozy, indulgent, and comes together with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. The garlic gives it depth, the cream makes it luxurious, and the parmesan brings that salty, nutty backbone we all love. Plus, the chicken cooks up beautifully tender on the inside with a golden sear on the outside.
The best part? You can whip this up in under 30 minutes. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be spooning sauce straight from the pan before it hits the table.
I’ve made this dish for casual weeknights and for supper club nights at Copper & Thyme. It never fails to bring folks back for seconds. Especially when paired with a crispy salad or a simple side like these high protein pinwheels, or served next to buttery corn-on-the-cob Mexican style. Trust me, it’s a hit.
And if you’re looking to meal prep or impress guests without fuss, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is about to be your new best friend.
Ingredients: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta That Just Works
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a pasta dish restaurant-worthy at home, it’s the right combination of everyday ingredients. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is all about building flavor in layers, starting with good-quality chicken and ending with a creamy parmesan finish.
Below are the key ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets
- Salt and pepper to season the chicken well
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil to sear the chicken
- 1 tablespoon butter to add richness
- 1 tablespoon flour to thicken the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced, the star of the show
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine for deglazing
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream for velvety texture
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese the soul of the sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for freshness and color
These ingredients come together fast. Nothing fancy, no complicated prep. Just rustic flavor made from scratch.
For even more flavor, pair this dish with tender greens or crisp roasted veggies. I often serve it with a side like marry me chicken dip crock pot when I want a full Southern-style spread.
What’s the Best Pasta to Pair with Chicken Parmesan Dishes?
The beauty of garlic parmesan chicken pasta is that it’s versatile. The sauce clings well to shapes with texture. You want a pasta that can hold onto that rich, garlicky parmesan sauce without turning soggy.
Here are my top picks:
- Fettuccine is classic. Its wide surface handles creamy sauces beautifully.
- Penne rigate has ridges that grab onto the sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- Rotini spirals trap garlic and cheese in their curves.
- Linguine offers a delicate but satisfying texture.
Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair since it overcooks quickly in heavy cream sauces.
Feeling adventurous? Try it with corn pasta salad on the side or use gluten-free options without losing creaminess. Another idea is pairing with roasted chicken like air fryer chicken breast for added protein variety.
The key is choosing pasta that complements the creamy garlic base without getting lost in the mix.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Step by Step
This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight but rich enough to serve at a cozy dinner party. Every step brings flavor and texture that builds into something really special. Here’s how I do it.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut two chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with four thin fillets. Season each piece generously on both sides using salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Once hot, lay the chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook for five to six minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Start the Sauce Base
Turn the heat to medium-high again. Without cleaning the pan, add one tablespoon of flour and three minced garlic cloves directly into the drippings. Stir continuously for about one minute to toast the flour and release the garlic aroma.
4. Deglaze the Pan
Pour in half a cup of chicken broth or dry white wine. Whisk gently, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
5. Add the Cream
Pour in one cup of heavy cream and let it gently bubble for two to three minutes. Stir frequently. This thickens the sauce slightly. Lower the heat if it starts boiling too fast.
6. Melt in the Cheese
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in half a cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Let it melt completely into the cream sauce until smooth and glossy.
7. Bring It All Together
Place the chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the garlic parmesan sauce over each piece. Add any juices left on the plate. Finish with chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
At this stage, your garlic parmesan chicken pasta is almost done. Boil your pasta of choice until al dente, then toss it directly into the skillet or plate it separately with sauce ladled over top. I often serve it alongside dishes like garlic butter mushroom stuffed chicken when feeding a crowd.
Should Cheese or Sauce Go First on Chicken Parmesan?
This question comes up more often than you’d think. The answer depends on what you want from the final texture.
If you’re baking the chicken after saucing, place the sauce down first. It prevents the chicken from drying out. The cheese goes on top of the sauce so it can melt and slightly brown under high heat.
If you’re serving straight from the pan, like in this garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe, spoon the sauce over the chicken and then sprinkle a little extra cheese just before serving. This lets the sauce soak in while the cheese stays creamy and soft.
Using this technique brings a creamy consistency that blends beautifully with al dente pasta. When paired with something bold like shawarma chicken wrap, you create a full meal with contrast in texture and spice.
Keeping the layering intentional makes a big difference in how each bite tastes.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Beautifully
Presentation does not need to be complicated to be impressive. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta shines when plated simply with just the right touches.
Start by twirling a portion of pasta into a shallow bowl using tongs. Spoon a generous amount of creamy garlic parmesan sauce over the top. Lay one piece of golden-seared chicken beside or directly on top of the pasta. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for color and finish with a pinch of parmesan right before serving.
For a full supper-style experience, pair it with a bright side like roasted asparagus or a crisp Caesar salad. I love serving this with a fresh citrusy drink or even a spoonful of something cooling like marry me chicken dip to balance the richness.
If you are hosting, consider adding a basket of warm garlic bread or a creamy appetizer like marry me chicken dip crock pot. This rounds out the meal without overwhelming the main attraction.
Wine pairing is optional but delightful. A chilled pinot grigio or lightly oaked chardonnay works well with the garlic and cream notes in this pasta.
Even on a casual night, using a wide-rimmed plate and wiping the edge clean gives your dish a restaurant touch without any extra effort.
Flavor Variations to Make It Your Own
Once you master the base, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta becomes a canvas for other flavors.
If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic. For a smoky kick, toss in diced sun-dried tomatoes or swap the chicken for grilled sausage.
Want more greens? Stir in a few handfuls of spinach or kale when you add the cream. The heat will wilt the greens while adding color and nutrients.
To turn it into a one-pan baked dish, combine the sauce, cooked pasta, and sliced chicken in a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden on top.
For a fun twist, fold in roasted corn or serve it alongside a fresh side like corn on the cob Mexican style. The sweet, spicy flavor balances the creamy pasta perfectly.
If you are cooking for someone gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta with gluten-free rotini or rice noodles. The sauce holds up well with different textures.
You can also try adding a tablespoon of basil pesto just before serving. It adds a burst of herbal depth and transforms the entire flavor profile without changing the core comfort of the dish.
Feel free to adapt based on what you love and what you have on hand. The core of this recipe is versatile and forgiving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a nice garlic pasta?
To make a great garlic pasta, start by sautéing fresh garlic in olive oil or butter until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Add a bit of pasta water or broth to build a base, then stir in heavy cream or cheese for richness. Season with salt and pepper. Toss your cooked pasta in the sauce while it is still hot so it absorbs the flavor. Garlic parmesan chicken pasta uses this same technique, with seared chicken and parmesan added for extra depth.
Does cheese or sauce go first on chicken parmesan?
If baking the dish, start with sauce directly on the chicken. Add cheese over the sauce so it melts and creates a golden crust. For skillet dishes like garlic parmesan chicken pasta, the cheese is usually melted into the sauce and spooned over the chicken just before serving. This keeps the sauce creamy and the chicken juicy.
What are the three ingredients in parmesan chicken?
The most basic version of parmesan chicken includes chicken breast, parmesan cheese, and a coating such as breadcrumbs or flour. In garlic parmesan chicken pasta, we skip the breading and use flour to thicken the sauce instead. Parmesan is melted directly into the cream to form a rich garlic-infused coating over the chicken.
What’s the best pasta to have with chicken parmesan?
Pasta shapes that hold sauce well work best. Fettuccine, penne, and rotini are all great options. In garlic parmesan chicken pasta, I recommend fettuccine or penne. They have enough surface area to cling to the creamy garlic parmesan sauce and pair well with the seared chicken.
Conclusion
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is one of those recipes that feels like home. It’s creamy, flavorful, and just fancy enough to make a regular evening feel special. From the garlic-kissed sauce to the golden seared chicken, every bite brings comfort without being complicated.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish delivers satisfaction every time. You can dress it up with sides like high protein pinwheels or keep it simple with just the pasta and a sprinkle of parsley.
And remember, in my kitchen, it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, flavor, and fun. So pour a glass of wine, let the garlic sizzle, and enjoy the kind of meal that brings people back for seconds.
