Sizzling Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I whip up this incredible garlic chicken parmesan pasta that combines classic comfort with bold flavors.

Crispy chicken pieces nestle perfectly among twirled pasta strands, creating a mouthwatering symphony of textures.

parmesan cheese melts luxuriously, coating each noodle with its rich, salty essence.

Mediterranean herbs dance through the dish, adding unexpected depth and complexity.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this special or satisfying without much effort.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal ingredients.

You can elevate an ordinary meal into something truly memorable with just a few simple steps.

Garlic Chicken Pasta Offers Creaminess with Every Bite

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Requires basic pantry staples like chicken, pasta, garlic, and Parmesan, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for picky eaters by easily swapping chicken for another protein or adding extra vegetables, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• One-Skillet Magic: Streamlines cooking process by preparing everything in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and making this dish incredibly convenient for weeknight dinners or last-minute meal preparations.

Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Essentials

• Pasta, Chicken: Hearty and protein-packed main ingredients that form the core of the dish. Choose high-quality pasta like fettuccine or penne, and use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for tender meat.

• Garlic, Onion, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and traditional Italian flavor. Fresh garlic cloves offer the best taste, while dried Italian seasoning blend adds complexity.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Butter: Rich and luxurious ingredients creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting quality, and opt for unsalted butter to control salt levels.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Parsley: Essential seasoning and finishing touches. Choose extra virgin olive oil for better flavor, and use fresh flat-leaf parsley for bright garnish.

Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Creamy Prep

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a spacious pot with water and sprinkle salt generously.

Drop pasta into rapidly boiling water and cook until tender with a slight bite.

Scoop out one cup of starchy water before draining pasta.

Set pasta aside, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Beautifully

Heat a roomy skillet with olive oil and butter.

Toss chicken pieces into the sizzling pan.

Shower with salt and pepper.

Cook until golden brown and completely done, turning occasionally.

Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

Lower skillet temperature.

Melt remaining butter, welcoming minced garlic and diced onion.

Stir until aromatics release their wonderful fragrance and onions turn translucent.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning for depth.

Pour silky heavy cream, stirring gently.

Let sauce bubble and thicken softly.

Step 4: Marry Ingredients Together

Fold grated Parmesan into sauce until smooth and luxurious.

Return chicken to skillet, coating each piece with creamy goodness.

Add cooked pasta, tossing everything together.

If sauce seems thick, splash reserved pasta water to reach perfect consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Sample and adjust seasonings.

Scatter fresh parsley on top for brightness.

Serve immediately while everything remains warm and inviting.

Rich Pasta Tips for Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, helping create a silky, perfectly coated dish without drying out.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy tenderness and develops deeper flavor profiles.
• Sauté garlic gently to prevent burning, releasing its aromatic essence without creating bitter undertones that can ruin the sauce's delicate balance.
• Add cheese off direct heat and stir continuously, allowing it to melt smoothly without becoming grainy or separating in the creamy sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasonings at the final stage, understanding that Parmesan adds saltiness, so season cautiously to maintain perfect flavor harmony.

Parmesan Pasta Storage Tips

• Store leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to restore creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Companion Picks

• Savor Wine Harmony: Crisp Chardonnay pairs beautifully with this creamy garlic chicken pasta, cutting through the richness while complementing the herbal notes.
• Sip Refreshing Cocktail: Bright citrus mojito balances the dish's creamy texture, offering a zesty counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Enhance Side Salad: Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a tangy freshness that contrasts the pasta's decadent, velvety sauce.
• Match Bread Companion: Crusty garlic bread with herbed butter provides a crunchy texture that absorbs the delicious sauce and elevates the overall dining experience.

Garlic Chicken Pasta With Extra Cream Options

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea, rice, or quinoa pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the creamy garlic sauce's flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free and vegan-friendly variation.
• Protein Alternative: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or plant-based chicken substitute to provide different protein options for diverse dietary preferences.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any medium-sized pasta like fettuccine, penne, or linguine works perfectly. Choose pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well and has enough surface area to catch the delicious flavors.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are an excellent alternative. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking to ensure even and quick cooking throughout the dish.

• Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories. Use less butter and choose a lighter cheese like part-skim mozzarella to create a lighter version of the dish.

• How can I make this recipe more flavorful?

Enhance the flavor by adding extra garlic, using fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or sprinkling red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Toasting the Italian seasoning briefly before adding cream can also intensify the overall taste profile.

Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic chicken and parmesan pasta delivers a symphony of rich, comforting flavors that dance on your palate. Succulent chicken nestled among silky noodles creates a memorable meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight firmness. Extract a cup of starchy liquid before draining and setting the pasta aside.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully introduce chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer the succulent chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt remaining butter, then introduce minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté until aromatics release their fragrance and onions become translucent. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and create a luxurious base. Gently pour heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken.
4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely dissolved and achieving a silky consistency. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated. Fold in the cooked pasta, gently tossing to distribute flavors evenly. Adjust sauce texture by incrementally adding reserved pasta water.
5. Evaluate and refine seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Scatter freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while the sauce remains gloriously creamy and warm.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Starchy pasta water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle and chicken piece.
• Low-Sodium Hack: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth or low-sodium seasonings to control salt content without sacrificing flavor intensity.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different nutritional preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Master: Prepare chicken and sauce separately, then combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent pasta from becoming soggy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg