Craving comfort food that’s quick, creamy, and loaded with flavor? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect one-pan meal. Tender chicken, a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all come together in a dish your family will devour. It’s simple, satisfying, and just plain delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
- One Pan = Less Mess – Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet
- Rich & Creamy – The sauce is velvety and packed with garlic-Parmesan goodness
- Weeknight-Friendly – Ready in about 30 minutes
- Customizable – Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it your own
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta you like
- Garlic – Freshly minced for bold flavor
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated gives the creamiest, richest taste
- Heavy Cream – For that luscious, restaurant-style texture
- Chicken Broth – Adds savory depth to the sauce
- Butter & Olive Oil – For searing and richness
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Parsley & Lemon (optional) – For freshness and brightness
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear until golden and cooked through. Set aside. - Make the Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. - Add Pasta
Pour uncooked pasta directly into the sauce. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender (about 12–14 minutes). Add extra broth or water if needed. - Finish the Dish
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the pan and toss everything to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like.
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Caesar salad
- A crisp glass of white wine (optional!)
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well, but the sauce may separate slightly when reheated.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
💡 Optional Add-Ins
- Sautéed mushrooms or onions
- Fresh spinach (stir in at the end)
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth
Pro Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — It melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
- Pound your chicken to even thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — Keep it al dente for the best texture.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the chicken for more flavor (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just add it toward the end to heat through.
Can I substitute milk for cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamier result, stick with heavy cream or add a touch of cream cheese.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well. Long pasta like linguine is also great.
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope — but feel free to toss in some red pepper flakes for heat!
More Family-Favorite Pasta Recipes
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Baked Ziti with Sausage
- One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or hosting guests, this dish never disappoints!