The first time I had chicken garlic parmesan pasta, it was bubbling in a big skillet at my aunt’s Sunday table cozy, creamy, and gone in minutes. That buttery garlic smell? Craved it ever since. Lately it’s blowing up on TikTok and Pinterest, and yep… it’s just as dreamy as it looks. Easy recipe, perfect for weeknights. No stressjust 25 minutes, one pan, tastes like a warm hug.
This is comfort in pasta formwith golden seared chicken, plenty of sautéed garlic, and a silky parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. Nothing too fancy. Just pantry stuff with big flavor. A little like chicken Alfredo’s rustic cousin. Full details in the blog!
Learned this trick from my grandmashe used to pinch in just a dash of nutmeg when we made cream sauces. Weird? Maybe. Magical? Always. I’ve tested this pasta five times… and yep, that tiny twist makes all the difference. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This recipe hits all the cozy notes. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with simple, wholesome flavors that remind you of home-cooked dinners with family. Whether you’re tackling a busy weeknight or in the mood for a comforting Sunday evening meal, this one’s a winner. Plus, it’s all made in just one panless mess, more time to enjoy.
Nostalgic flavors: Think creamy Parmesan sauce like Grandma made but easier.
Beginner-friendly: It comes together in under 30 minutes with simple steps.
Weeknight practical: The ingredients are pantry staples you might already have.
If you’re craving something cozy that feels special but doesn’t take much effort, this chicken garlic Parmesan pasta will be on repeat.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This dish is all about keeping it simple while letting a few key ingredients shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken breast: Springer Mountain Farms is my preference for juicy, tender results. Swap for chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
Farfalle pasta: I used gluten-free farfalle, but feel free to use regular pasta or even penne for a similar texture.
Parmesan: Freshly shredded Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce. Don’t skimp herethis is your big flavor player.
Special spices: Garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and paprika are the perfect mix for seasoning the chicken.
Need easy swaps? Check out the table below for practical ideas.
Ingredient
Swap Option
Chicken breast
Chicken thighs or turkey cutlets
Gluten-free pasta
Regular farfalle or penne
Parmesan
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano
Chicken broth
Vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This recipe is smooth sailing, even if you’re new to cooking. Here’s how it works:
Prep the chicken: Season the chicken breast with paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt on both sides.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan, sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, and set it aside.
Boil the pasta: Cook the farfalle in salted water according to the package, saving ¼ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Make the sauce: Melt butter in the same pan, sauté dry shallots, and stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and flour to create a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
Combine: Stir Parmesan into the creamy sauce, then add the pasta and pasta water. Top with sliced chicken and simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
Troubleshooting and Pro Tips
From sauce consistency to reheating leftovers, here are a few tips to get it just right:
Sauce too thick? Stir in a splash of additional pasta water or broth until it loosens up.
Forgot to save pasta water? No worrieswarm water or broth will work.
Reheating leftovers: Add a tablespoon of cream or water before reheating to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Pro Tip: For perfectly golden chicken, don’t overcrowd the panthis keeps the sear crispy.
Serving: Dish up straight from the skillet. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli makes the perfect sidekick.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Heat gently on the stove or microwave with a bit of cream or broth to keep the sauce silky.
Storage Tips
Details
Fridge
3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Not recommended (cream sauces can separate)
Reheating
Add a splash of cream or broth
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta combines protein-rich chicken with the umami depth of Parmesan and the aromatic punch of garlic, creating a balanced dish both flavorful and satisfying. This fusion also promotes better nutrient absorption, as the fat in Parmesan helps unlock fat-soluble vitamins found in garlic and chicken.
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Why I Love This Recipe
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta reminds me of cozy family dinners when I was learning to cook with my grandmother. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and healthy. Every bite feels like home, and the garlic-parmesan combo always gets my family asking for seconds.
FAQs ( Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta )
What type of pasta works best for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta?
Fettuccine and penne are the most popular choices for this dish because they hold the creamy garlic parmesan sauce beautifully. Fettuccine’s flat surface allows the sauce to cling perfectly, while penne’s ridges trap all that delicious flavor. You can also use linguine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand – the key is choosing a pasta that will grab onto that rich, creamy sauce!
How do I keep my chicken tender and juicy?
The secret to perfectly tender chicken is not overcooking it! Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove from heat immediately. Pound your chicken to an even thickness before cooking so it cooks uniformly, and let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper, and don’t move it around too much in the pan – let it develop that beautiful golden crust first.
Can I make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?
While this pasta is definitely best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time to make weeknight cooking easier. Cook and slice your chicken up to 2 days in advance, and store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also make the sauce base without the cheese and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, add the cheese, and toss with freshly cooked pasta and warmed chicken.
Why does my cheese sauce sometimes get clumpy or separate?
Cheese sauce drama is usually caused by too much heat or adding cheese too quickly! Always remove your pan from direct heat before adding parmesan, and add it gradually while stirring constantly. Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the smoothest results, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. If your sauce does break, try whisking in a tablespoon of warm pasta water to bring it back together.
What can I serve alongside Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta?
Since this pasta is pretty rich and indulgent, pair it with something fresh and light! A crisp Caesar salad or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add nice color and nutrition to your plate. Don’t forget some crusty garlic bread for sopping up any extra sauce – because let’s be honest, you won’t want to waste a drop of that creamy goodness!
Wrapping Up Your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Adventure
Chicken garlic parmesan pasta comes together in a snapabout 25 minutesand delivers that dreamy, creamy comfort you crave on busy nights. You’ll love how tender chicken and garlicky Parmesan sauce mingle in each bite. Simple steps, familiar ingredients, and a one-pan magic that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
Feel free to swap chicken breasts for thighs, add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or stir in a pinch of fresh herbs to suit your mood. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of creama little tip from my favorite home cooks. Serve with a crisp salad, and you’ve got a cozy meal that’s both practical and special.
Did this recipe bring back any family memories? I’d love to see your photos or hear about your personal twists. Pass this cozy, fuss-free chicken pasta recipe along, and make someone’s evening a little brighter. Cooking should always feel like a hug you can share.
Thomas Baker
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Easy and Irresistible Recipe
This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta combines tender seasoned chicken with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, creating an easy and irresistible gluten-free pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
2 teaspoon dry shallots (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoon Gluten Free 1:1 Flour
3 cups heavy cream
12 oz shredded parmesan
¼ cup pasta water
½ teaspoon salt
1 tsp garlic powder
Method
Cook the gluten free farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest. Slice or cube once cooled.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add dry shallots and Italian seasoning; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle Gluten Free 1:1 Flour over the butter mixture and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Then add heavy cream and continue whisking until sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
Stir in shredded parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss everything together to coat well.
Season with remaining garlic powder and ½ teaspoon salt to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
