If you are on the hunt for a comforting, irresistibly creamy dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with layers of flavor from tender chicken, garlicky goodness, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your schedule. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this pasta recipe strikes the perfect harmony between simple ingredients and extraordinary taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to creating the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each item plays a special role, from the pasta’s texture to the savory depth of the Parmesan and the fresh brightness of parsley.
- 8 oz pasta: Choose any variety like fettuccine or penne to provide the perfect canvas for the sauce to cling to.
- 2 chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein that absorbs all the flavors and makes the dish satisfying.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness while helping to cook the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: The soul of this recipe, imparting an aromatic warmth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings the signature tangy, nutty flavor that defines this recipe.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Choosing a pasta shape that holds sauce well helps every forkful deliver maximum creaminess. Once cooked, drain and set it aside, ready to absorb that luscious sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced chicken. Cooking it until it’s no longer pink makes sure your chicken stays juicy on the inside with a slightly golden exterior. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
When the chicken is nearly done, toss in the minced garlic. Cooking it gently releases its fragrant oils without burning, infusing the dish with that unmistakable garlicky scent that’ll have everyone eagerly waiting to dig in.
Step 4: Simmer the Cream
Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Letting it simmer for a few minutes thickens the liquid just enough to create a sauce that’s decadent yet light enough to coat the pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper. As the cheese melts, it transforms the sauce into a silky, cheesy dream that clings effortlessly to every piece of chicken and noodle.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss everything together. This step blends all the flavors perfectly, ensuring every bite is creamy, cheesy, and packed with that garlic-infused chicken goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley to brighten up the rich dish visually and flavor-wise. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe warm and watch it disappear from plates faster than you could imagine!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, adding a lovely contrast in both color and flavor. For an added touch, consider a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. The freshness and crunch create an ideal balance to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating this recipe in warm, shallow bowls to hold the sauce nicely, and garnish with a lemon wedge to squeeze on top for a bright finish. For a cozy family dinner, serve it straight from the skillet right at the table—comfort food made convivial.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinner on the go.
Freezing
While the creaminess may slightly change, you can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating helps restore the sauce’s silky consistency. Avoid microwaving as it can unevenly heat and alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is key to the flavor profile, you can mix in Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a unique twist. Just remember that Parmesan provides that signature nuttiness essential to this recipe.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
Fettuccine and penne are top choices because their shapes capture the sauce effectively. However, many types will work well, so pick your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian alternative that still pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cream and cheese, stirring constantly. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it in as the sauce cooks to reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe truly feels like a warm hug wrapped in a bowl, perfect for any day you want something quick yet incredibly satisfying. I hope this dish becomes a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine, ready to impress and comfort your loved ones again and again. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed with garlic, then simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and tossed with your choice of pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (any variety, such as fettuccine or penne)
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside and is cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the chicken and garlic. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- You can add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it up.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
