If you are craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy comfort with tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, you have to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe. It’s a celebration of garlicky goodness and rich Parmesan cheese, coming together in a simple yet utterly satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish hits all the right notes with its velvety sauce, juicy chicken pieces, and al dente pasta, making every bite a little moment of joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to crafting this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe. Each element plays a key role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites throughout.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base to sauté chicken and add subtle fruitiness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: The heart of this recipe, imparting robust aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a delightful herbaceous twist that complements the chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just enough heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps mellow the garlic.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The thickening agent for a luscious, creamy sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed: Adds creaminess and balances the cheese’s sharpness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings extraordinary richness and velvety texture to the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star cheese that gives this recipe its signature savory bite.
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite pasta to soak up all the cheesy sauce perfectly.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
- Extra Parmesan for serving: Because you can never have too much cheesy goodness!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. The salt seasons the pasta from the inside out, while al dente texture ensures it won’t get mushy when combined later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Removing the chicken now keeps it perfectly tender and ready to absorb that heavenly sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then whisk in the flour and cook for a minute to create a roux—that’s what thickens your sauce to silky perfection.
Step 4: Add Milk, Cream, and Cheese
Slowly pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes as it thickens, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is beautifully smooth and creamy, a promise of the deliciousness to come.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat every tender piece in the luscious sauce. Next, gently fold in the drained pasta, tossing everything together gently to ensure each strand or piece is luxuriously coated. Let it all heat through for a couple more minutes, infusing those flavors further.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top right before serving. The brightness of parsley cuts through the richness beautifully and adds a lovely green contrast that makes your dish look as amazing as it tastes. Don’t forget an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch that makes this dish irresistibly cheesy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The fresh, crunchy sides balance the creamy pasta, while a warm garlic bread or crusty baguette is always a winner to mop up every last bit of that divine sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls garnished with a lemon wedge to brighten the flavors or topped with toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch. You can also layer the pasta and chicken in a casserole dish, sprinkle it with extra cheese, and broil it for a few minutes to create a bubbly golden crust that’s utterly crave-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but don’t worry — it’s easy to loosen when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, ensure the dish is cooled completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy consistency. Stir frequently to heat evenly and prevent the sauce from breaking apart.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative and work wonderfully in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly until they’re fully cooked through.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne and fettuccine are excellent because they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love. Just cook it al dente for the ideal texture.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is delicious on its own or with a veggie boost.
Is there a way to lighten this recipe?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choose part-skim milk to reduce fat. The flavor might be a tad less rich but still tasty and comforting.
How can I add some heat to the dish?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or at the end when tossing everything together gives a lovely subtle kick that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a beloved favorite to make again and again.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe combines tender, sautéed chicken with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and flavorful Italian-American main course. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner full of rich flavors and a smooth, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Create Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute while whisking constantly to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Slowly pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the sauce to coat thoroughly. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add fresh spinach or steamed broccoli for a vegetable boost.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes to add subtle heat to the dish.
- This recipe reheats well the next day; add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce if needed.
