Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk (warmed); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta; Chopped parsley (for garnish); Extra Parmesan (for serving)

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There’s a reason Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is the comfort food I reach for again and again—tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a dreamy, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce all nestled together in one pan. This dish is delightfully simple yet manages to deliver restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal effort and just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re craving a soulful weeknight meal or looking to impress friends at an impromptu gathering, this hearty classic never disappoints with its rich, creamy texture and unforgettable savory aroma.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

A meal this cozy and luxurious only needs a few, thoughtfully-chosen ingredients. Each one truly earns its keep, building the foundation of taste, aroma, and that silky-smooth texture that makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta so irresistible.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken bites soak up the sauce and give each forkful heartiness—opt for fresh for juiciest results.
Olive oil: Provides a flavorful, golden sear on the chicken while helping garlic bloom in the pan.
Garlic cloves: Don’t be shy! Minced fresh garlic is the backbone of this dish’s bold, aromatic flavor.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of dried herbs brings a subtle earthiness and ties the whole sauce together.
Salt & black pepper: Balances and enhances every bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, luxurious touch to the sauce and deepens its flavor.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the creamy sauce and giving it a lush, clingy consistency.
Whole milk: Use warm milk to effortlessly blend with the roux for a smooth sauce base.
Heavy cream: Delivers the rich, velvety mouthfeel that makes this pasta so decadent.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for meltability and big, nutty flavor throughout the sauce.
Penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite—these shapes soak up sauce and add wonderful texture.
Chopped parsley: A shower of green at the end adds brightness and a touch of color.
Extra Parmesan: For serving—because there’s no such thing as too much cheese on Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your penne or fettuccine according to the package directions until perfectly al dente—tender but still with a bit of bite. Once cooked, drain your pasta and set it aside; you’ll want it ready to meet that glorious sauce the moment it’s done.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, grab your largest skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and sauté them for about 6 to 8 minutes. The goal is golden, flavorful edges with juicy centers. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate so it doesn’t overcook—saving all those delicious pan juices.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and add butter to the same skillet—this way, the sauce picks up every bit of chicken flavor left behind. Once melted, toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant (just 30 seconds). Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to make a roux. Now, slowly pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream while whisking to banish any lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens up and looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Chicken

Next comes the soul of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta: the Parmesan cheese! Stir it into the hot sauce, melting it into a silky, cheesy dream. Once the sauce is smooth and luxurious, return your cooked chicken to the pan and give everything a good stir, making sure every piece is coated.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta and Serve

Drop the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together so the sauce clings to each noodle. Give it 1 or 2 more minutes on the heat to ensure it’s all warmed through and beautifully melded. Plate up right away, shower generously with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, and dive in while it’s steamy and fresh.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley is my go-to—it adds a pop of color and a faint peppery freshness that lightens the creaminess. Don’t forget extra Parmesan shavings over the top for an irresistible, cheesy finish that makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta downright hard to resist.

Side Dishes

Pairing this dish is simple: try a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. A warm, crusty garlic bread is always welcome for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, consider serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with a twirl of pasta on top and a sprinkle of bright microgreens. For a family-style meal, simply place the skillet at the center of the table and let everyone help themselves—there’s something magical about sharing straight from the pan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, staying creamy and flavorful with just a little TLC when reheating.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for busy nights? Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta can be frozen! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Be aware that the creamy sauce may separate slightly after thawing—but a quick stir and a splash of milk will bring it back to life.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, place them in a skillet or microwave-safe bowl and add a small splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently over low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring in between, until everything is uniformly hot and silky again.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the sauce just before tossing with pasta. It’s a clever shortcut and saves time, making Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta even more weeknight-friendly.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted broccoli florets. The flavors in the garlic Parmesan cream sauce work wonderfully with a variety of veggies.

What if I only have pre-grated Parmesan?

While freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly and gives the best flavor, pre-grated will work in a pinch. Make sure it’s real Parmesan (not the shelf-stable kind in a can) for optimal creaminess.

Can I add vegetables directly to the pasta?

Definitely! Spinach, broccoli, or even sun-dried tomatoes are delicious additions. Just toss them into the sauce before adding the pasta, or stir them into the skillet with the chicken.

What’s the best way to avoid a lumpy sauce?

Using warmed milk and heavy cream helps prevent lumps. Also, whisk constantly when adding liquids to the roux and add them slowly so everything blends smoothly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fuss-free dinner that delivers maximum comfort with every bite, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta needs a spot in your rotation. This is one of those dishes you’ll crave again and again—don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a favorite in your kitchen, too!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta, a flavorful Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warmed)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional:

12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan (for serving)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: Cook seasoned chicken in olive oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
Combine: Add chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Heat through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!