Garlic parmesan chicken and pasta is a creamy, savory dish that’s bursting with flavor. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce come together in this comforting and easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The garlic parmesan sauce is indulgently delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable: Swap the pasta type or add vegetables to suit your preferences.
- One-Pan Option: Cook the chicken and sauce in the same pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra parmesan
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works well and saves time.
2. What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work great, but any pasta of your choice will do.
3. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Use freshly grated parmesan and stir constantly while melting it into the sauce. Avoid overheating.
4. Can I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter for a lighter version.
5. Is it okay to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before combining with the pasta and chicken.
6. Can I freeze garlic parmesan chicken and pasta?
It’s not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.
7. What’s the best way to season the chicken?
A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the flavor of the chicken.
8. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
9. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add veggies or plant-based protein as desired.
10. What pairs well with garlic parmesan chicken and pasta?
Serve with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Garlic parmesan chicken and pasta is a rich and comforting dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s an irresistible meal that’s both simple and satisfying. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and comforting dinner perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken:
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Combine Everything:
- Add the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.