Why You’ll Love Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
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It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
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The parmesan and garlic create a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s full of flavor.
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Seared chicken adds hearty protein to make the dish filling and balanced.
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The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find.
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It’s incredibly versatile — easy to customize with vegetables, herbs, or alternative proteins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or farfalle work great)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
olive oil
butter
garlic cloves, minced
shallots or yellow onion, finely chopped
Italian seasoning
paprika
salt and black pepper
chicken broth
heavy cream
parmesan cheese, freshly grated
reserved pasta water (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)
fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté shallots for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
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Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in grated parmesan cheese and let the sauce cook for a few minutes until thickened. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
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Slice the cooked chicken. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything together gently.
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Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and extra parmesan if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
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Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
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Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
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Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
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Try gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, for best results.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, simply slice and warm it in the sauce just before serving.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne or bowtie holds the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine are also great options.
Can I make this without cream?
You can substitute with milk and a bit of flour for thickening, though it won’t be as rich.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make it suitable.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add a bit more cheese. A small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry can also help.
What vegetables go well in this dish?
Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes are delicious additions.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Freezing creamy sauces can affect texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
What kind of parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated parmesan from a block is best for melting and flavor.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep components in advance, but it’s best to assemble the dish just before serving.
What sides go well with this dish?
A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair perfectly.
Conclusion
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with a hearty, home-cooked meal. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen rotation.
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish made with tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese tossed in a rich cream sauce. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is well combined and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Substitute half and half for heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
