Best Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of rich, savory flavors that dance on your palate and leave you utterly satisfied. Imagine tender, succulent pieces of chicken, perfectly seasoned and nestled amongst al dente pasta, all generously coated in a luscious, creamy garlic-infused Parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of dish that instantly brings warmth and comfort, turning an ordinary weeknight into a truly special occasion.

I find that this beloved dish embodies the very essence of modern comfort food, skillfully blending the timeless appeal of Italian-inspired ingredients with the hearty satisfaction of American home cooking. While perhaps not steeped in centuries of history like some traditional Italian recipes, its rise to widespread popularity reflects our collective desire for intensely flavorful, yet approachable, cuisine. People adore this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta for its irresistible combination of aromatic garlic, the sharp, salty punch of authentic Parmesan, and the comforting texture of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for busy evenings, yet elegant enough to impress guests. Truly, its widespread appeal lies in its ability to deliver profound deliciousness with every single forkful.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds (about 3-4 medium breasts). I find that choosing chicken breasts of relatively uniform thickness helps ensure they cook evenly, resulting in tender, juicy chicken for our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. If yours are particularly thick, consider gently pounding them to about 3/4-inch thickness.
• Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta: 1 pound (450g). While any pasta shape can work, the flat, broad ribbons of fettuccine or linguine are absolutely perfect for cradling that rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. They truly allow every strand to be generously coated.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: 8-10 large cloves, minced. Do not skimp on the fresh garlic! This is a cornerstone of our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, providing that incredible aromatic foundation. Using pre-minced garlic just doesn’t deliver the same pungent, fresh flavor, so take the time to mince it yourself.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (about 4 ounces), freshly grated, plus more for serving. This is another non-negotiable for flavor. Always grate your own Parmesan from a block; the pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty and reduce its melt-in-your-mouth quality. We’re aiming for a silky-smooth sauce.
• Heavy Cream: 1.5 cups (about 360ml). This is where the luxurious, velvety texture of our sauce comes from. Make sure it’s heavy cream, not half-and-half or milk, for that decadent richness.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml), low-sodium. A good quality chicken broth adds depth and helps to thin the sauce just enough, balancing the richness of the cream without diluting the flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick), divided. Butter provides flavor and helps us achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken, and forms the base for our aromatic sauce.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Essential for sautéing and ensuring our chicken doesn’t stick while getting a perfect crust.
• Yellow Onion: 1 small, finely diced. While optional for some, I find a little bit of finely diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and extra layer of complexity to the sauce, harmonizing beautifully with the garlic.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish. A sprinkle of fresh green parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Generous seasoning at every stage is key to building layers of flavor in our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste (optional). For those who enjoy a little kick, a touch of red pepper flakes adds a wonderful warmth that complements the garlic and cream.
• Lemon Zest: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended). Just a tiny bit of fresh lemon zest at the end can brighten the entire dish, cutting through the richness beautifully.

Preparing the Chicken: Building the First Layer of Flavor

1. First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them on a clean cutting board. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is incredibly important because excess moisture on the surface of the chicken prevents it from getting a beautiful, golden-brown sear. When the surface is dry, the Maillard reaction (that magical browning process) can happen more effectively, developing incredible flavor.
2. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, around 1.5 inches or more, I recommend placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them with a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy pan to an even thickness of about 3/4 to 1 inch. This ensures they cook through evenly and quickly, preventing some parts from drying out while others are still cooking. Evenly cooked chicken is a cornerstone of a perfect Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
3. Next, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy here; this initial seasoning is crucial for flavoring the chicken from the inside out. If you like, you can also add a pinch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning at this stage for an extra boost of flavor. Set the seasoned chicken aside briefly while we prepare our cooking pan.
4. Now, heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to shimmer, indicating the pan is hot enough. The combination of oil and butter helps achieve a high searing temperature without burning the butter too quickly, giving us the best of both worlds: browning and flavor.
5. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding will lower the pan’s temperature, causing the chicken to steam instead of sear, and we want a beautiful crust for our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Sear the chicken for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust and is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part.
6. Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a clean plate or cutting board. Tent them loosely with aluminum foil to keep them warm and allow them to rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains incredibly tender and moist. This is a small but mighty step that truly elevates the final dish. While the chicken rests, those flavorful browned bits, or “fond,” left in the pan will become the foundation of our incredible sauce.

Cooking the Pasta and Sautéing Aromatics: Building the Foundation

7. While the chicken is resting, it’s time to get our pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Seriously, season your pasta water as salty as the ocean! This is the only chance you have to season the pasta itself from the inside out, and it makes an enormous difference to the overall flavor of your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Add the fettuccine or linguine to the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
8. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente – meaning it’s cooked through but still has a firm bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes for most dry pastas. Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce and has a more satisfying texture. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta cooking water. This magical water is rich in starch, which will help emulsify and thicken our creamy sauce, making it incredibly luscious and glossy.
9. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it immediately but do not rinse it. Rinsing pasta removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to it, and we definitely want that sauce to cling to every single strand for our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Set the drained pasta aside.
10. Now, let’s turn our attention back to the skillet where we cooked the chicken. There should be some delicious browned bits and chicken drippings left in the pan. We want all that flavor! Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula. These browned bits are pure flavor gold and will contribute significantly to the depth of our sauce.
11. Add the finely diced yellow onion to the pan. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. We’re looking for a gentle cooking here, just softening the onion and coaxing out its sweet, aromatic qualities.
12. Next, add the minced fresh garlic and, if using, the red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for just 60 seconds, stirring constantly. It’s absolutely crucial not to burn the garlic at this stage! Burnt garlic tastes bitter and unpleasant, which would completely detract from the wonderful garlicky essence we want in our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We just want to cook it long enough for it to become fragrant and release its incredible aroma.

Crafting the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The Heart of Your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

13. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Use your wooden spoon to continue scraping the bottom of the pan vigorously, ensuring all those flavorful browned bits (the “fond”) are lifted and incorporated into the broth. This step, often called deglazing, adds tremendous depth and complexity to our sauce. Let the broth simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavors.
14. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine it with the broth and the aromatic base. Allow the mixture to come to a very gentle simmer. It’s important to keep the heat low when working with cream to prevent it from scorching or separating. We want a smooth, luxurious sauce for our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
15. Now for the star of the sauce: the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering cream mixture, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and incorporated before adding more. Keep the heat on low during this process! High heat can cause the cheese to clump, become stringy, or even separate into an oily mess. We’re aiming for a silky, homogenous sauce. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce looks smooth and creamy.
16. Taste the sauce and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so add salt incrementally, tasting as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away. If you’re using it, now is also a good time to stir in the tiny bit of lemon zest – it really brightens the rich sauce.
17. If the sauce seems too thick at this point (and it likely will be after adding the cheese), gradually add some of the reserved starchy pasta water, a tablespoon or two at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water not only thins the sauce but also helps to emulsify it, making it incredibly glossy and ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta. You might use anywhere from 1/4 cup to 3/4 cup of the pasta water, depending on how thick you like your sauce.

Bringing It All Together: Assembling Your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

18. At this point, your chicken should be rested and ready for slicing. Take the rested chicken breasts and slice them against the grain into 1/2-inch thick strips or dice them into bite-sized pieces, whichever you prefer. Slicing against the grain helps to ensure the chicken is as tender as possible.
19. Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Gently toss the pasta with tongs, ensuring every single strand is thoroughly coated in that rich, velvety sauce. This is where the magic truly happens, as the pasta absorbs some of the sauce’s flavor and the starch from the pasta helps to further thicken and emulsify the sauce.
20. Next, carefully add the sliced or diced chicken back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Gently toss everything together one more time, ensuring the chicken is nestled throughout the pasta and warmed through by the sauce. This final gentle mixing step ensures that every forkful of our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is perfectly balanced with both tender chicken and luscious sauce.

Serving Your Delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

21. To serve, immediately transfer generous portions of the hot Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta to individual bowls. Speed is key here to enjoy the dish at its optimal warmth and creaminess.
22. Garnish each serving generously with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green not only adds a beautiful visual contrast but also provides a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the dish.
23. For an extra flourish, offer additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table so everyone can add more to their liking. A final crack of fresh black pepper is also a wonderful touch that enhances all the flavors.
24. Serve immediately and prepare to enjoy one of the most comforting and flavorful pasta dishes you’ve ever made. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and that incredibly rich and garlicky Parmesan sauce is truly irresistible. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the sauce is at its creamiest.

Conclusion:

After diving deep into the delightful process of creating this dish, I truly believe this isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. From the moment the garlic begins to sizzle, filling your home with an intoxicating aroma, to that first creamy, savory bite, you’ll understand why this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm, comforting embrace, offering a perfect blend of rich, creamy sauce, tender, perfectly cooked chicken, and the irresistible tang of Parmesan cheese. I’ve found it to be one of those universally loved dishes, effortlessly impressive for guests yet simple enough for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The magic lies in its simplicity and the robust flavor profile that develops with minimal fuss – truly, a testament to the power of quality ingredients and a straightforward technique. This recipe promises not just a meal, but a moment of culinary joy, a comforting anchor in a busy day, and an invitation to savor truly delicious food. Every forkful offers a beautiful dance of textures and tastes, making it an instant classic in any household.

Enhance Your Culinary Journey: Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

While this dish is undeniably spectacular on its own, I’m always eager to explore ways to elevate the experience or tailor it to different tastes and occasions.

Serving Suggestions:

For a perfectly balanced meal, I love to serve this rich pasta alongside a crisp, vibrant green salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully, offering a refreshing counterpoint. Don’t forget a basket of warm, crusty artisanal bread or garlic bread; it’s absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce – trust me, you won’t want to waste a single drop! If you’re enjoying this as an evening meal, a chilled glass of dry white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the creamy, savory notes wonderfully. For a final touch of freshness and color, a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving adds a lovely aromatic finish.

Creative Variations:

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and I encourage you to make it your own! If you’re looking to sneak in some extra vegetables, fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes stirred in at the end add both color and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers would also be fantastic additions, lending an earthy depth or a sweet, smoky note. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes incorporated with the garlic will give it a pleasant kick. Not a fan of chicken? This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, sautéed until pink and tender, or even a flavorful Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, consider adding cannellini beans or extra mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, satisfying dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. If you’re looking for an even richer cheesy flavor, a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano can be absolutely divine. And for those with dietary restrictions, experimenting with gluten-free pasta or a dairy-free cream alternative (like cashew cream) can yield surprisingly delicious results, allowing everyone to enjoy this incredible creation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs either; a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary could offer an entirely new aromatic dimension.

Your Turn to Create and Share!

Now that you have all the tools and inspiration, I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves and bring this incredible recipe to life in your own kitchen. I promise, the reward is a truly satisfying meal that will quickly become a cherished favorite. There’s a unique joy in crafting something so delicious from scratch, and I can’t wait for you to experience it. Once you’ve had a chance to whip up this amazing dish, please don’t keep the experience to yourself! I’d absolutely love to hear about your culinary adventure. Did you add any unique twists? What did your family or friends think? Share your experiences, your successes, and even your creative variations in the comments below. And if you snap a picture of your masterpiece, I’d be thrilled if you shared it. Happy cooking, and get ready to fall in love with the sheer deliciousness of this pasta!

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta for Busy Nights

Enjoy this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, a symphony of rich, savory flavors. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, creamy sauce featuring garlic powder, shallots, and Italian seasoning create a comforting meal perfect for busy nights.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
45 Minutes

Total Time
1 Hours

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil (Costabile Brand)
• 1 ½ lb chicken breast (Springer Mountain Farms)
• 1 ½ tsp paprika (OliveNation)
• 1 ½ tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder (OliveNation)
• ½ tsp thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp dry shallots
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 3 cups heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Prepare & Cook Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry, season with 1 ½ tsp paprika, 1 ½ tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp salt. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken, rest, then slice.
2. Step 2
   Cook Pasta: Boil generously salted water and cook 12 oz gluten-free farfalle pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup starchy pasta water, then drain.
3. Step 3
   Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt remaining 3 tbsp butter. Sauté 2 tsp dry shallots and 2 tsp Italian seasoning for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Step 4
   Thicken Sauce: Stir in 2 tbsp gluten-free 1:1 flour. Gradually whisk in ½ cup chicken broth. Slowly add 3 cups heavy cream, stirring until smooth and gently simmering. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
5. Step 5
   Combine & Serve: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.