Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Comfort Meal You’ll Crave

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that brings together Italian-inspired flavors with hearty ingredients.

This creamy and satisfying meal turns simple items into something that feels like dining out.

Tender chicken pieces mix perfectly with well-cooked pasta, offering a wonderful blend of textures and tastes.

The fragrant garlic and rich Parmesan cheese add depth, making every bite special.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic recipe makes the meal memorable.

Loved ones will enjoy the tasty mix of savory chicken, perfect pasta, and a sauce that’s both rich and familiar.

How To Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop pasta and cook until perfectly tender. Scoop out a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dried sage
• Red pepper flakes

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Perfection

Heat a cast iron skillet on medium-high. Drop seasoned chicken into the hot pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping midway. Add a splash of water if the pan gets too dry. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Transfer chicken to a cutting board.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté briefly. Sprinkle flour and whisk into a smooth paste. Slowly pour chicken broth, stirring to eliminate any lumps.

Step 5: Build Luxurious Sauce

• Milk
• Heavy cream

Whisk continuously until sauce thickens and becomes silky. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Tumble cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Toss gently, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Slice chicken into beautiful strips. Arrange over pasta. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a dash of red pepper flakes.

Smart Tips For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta immediately after adding to boiling water and occasionally during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking.
• Achieve Perfectly Seared Chicken: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a golden-brown crust and lock in maximum flavor during searing.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, which helps create a silky, smooth texture without overwhelming the dish.
• Maximize Cheese Flavor: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce for more intense, authentic flavor compared to pre-grated options.
• Customize Spice Level: Modify red pepper flakes quantity to match your preferred heat intensity, allowing personalization of the dish's spiciness.

Storing And Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pasta and chicken to an airtight container, separating chicken from sauce to prevent sogginess. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pack cooled pasta and chicken in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave: Splash a little reserved pasta water or milk over the pasta to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent breaking the sauce and ensure even warming.

What Goes Well With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Elevate Herb-Infused White Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the garlic and Parmesan flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with refreshing acidity.
• Craft Fresh Herbal Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to balance the rich pasta and provide a zesty contrast.
• Unlock Crusty Garlic Bread Accompaniment: Toast rustic sourdough bread with garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley, perfect for soaking up the creamy Parmesan sauce and adding textural variety.
• Enhance Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs to add nutritious, caramelized edges that enhance the chicken pasta's flavor profile.

Simple Swaps For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the rich garlic Parmesan flavor profile and creamy sauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and replace butter with olive oil to create a lactose-free option for those with dairy restrictions.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Increase red pepper flakes, add fresh basil and thyme, and include a dash of cayenne pepper to create a more intense and herbaceous version of the original recipe.

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. They’re lean, tender, and create a perfect protein for this creamy pasta dish.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the red pepper flakes to control heat. Use just a pinch for mild flavor or increase to 1-2 teaspoons for a spicier kick. The recipe allows flexibility for personal spice preferences.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas and have clear juices.

• Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron skillet provides excellent heat distribution and creates a nice sear, you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet. The key is maintaining medium-high heat and not overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Tastes Amazing

• Savor Quick Comfort: This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta delivers deliciousness without complex cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to match personal preferences or dietary needs, making it incredibly flexible for different tastes.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single cast iron skillet, reducing dish washing time and effort.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, this recipe transforms a simple meal into a crowd-pleasing dinner that sparks conversation and creates memorable moments around the table.

What You’ll Use In Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: Comforting base of the dish, choose medium-sized pasta like penne or fusilli for best sauce coverage.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors well, select fresh boneless and skinless cuts.

• Olive Oil, Oregano, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Dried Sage, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic spice mix that adds depth and warmth to the chicken, provides balanced flavor profile.

• Butter, Flour: Classic roux foundation for creamy sauce, helps thicken and create smooth texture.

• Chicken Broth, Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich liquid base that creates luxurious sauce consistency, provides depth of flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese, Salt, Pepper: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully, enhances overall seasoning and adds creamy richness.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright color and subtle freshness to the finished dish.

Rich Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta blends creamy cheese and tender chicken in a rich, flavorful embrace. Rich Italian-inspired comfort melds with hearty ingredients, promising a satisfying meal that whisks you straight to culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb chicken breast, pounded to even thickness
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 1 lb shortcut pasta (Rigatoni or any type, gluten-free if needed)
• 2 cups milk (any kind)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (vegan butter if needed)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• Extra red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, allowing pasta to dance and soften into perfect al dente texture. Capture a cup of starchy liquid before draining the pasta.
2. Transform chicken into a flavor-packed masterpiece by massaging it with olive oil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, dried sage, and fiery red pepper flakes.
3. Ignite a cast iron skillet to medium-high temperature, introducing the seasoned chicken to create a golden, crispy exterior. Execute a mid-cooking flip, potentially introducing a splash of water to prevent scorching. Verify doneness by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F, then gracefully remove and reserve.
4. Repurpose the same skillet by melting butter and allowing garlic to release its aromatic essence. Craft a silky roux by incorporating flour, then gradually introduce chicken broth, whisking away any potential lumps with precision.
5. Transition to a gentle heat, welcoming milk and heavy cream into the mixture. Orchestrate a continuous whisking performance until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper until seamlessly integrated.
6. Unite the pasta with the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly coated. Leverage the reserved pasta water to fine-tune the sauce’s consistency, creating a harmonious blend.
7. Present the dish by elegantly draping sliced chicken atop the pasta. Elevate the visual and flavor profile with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, additional Parmesan, and fresh parsley.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to help sauce cling perfectly to noodles and adjust sauce thickness smoothly.
• Smart Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shredded rotisserie chicken, or white fish for varied protein options that keep the dish versatile.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dry meat while guaranteeing food safety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg