Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: 7 Sensational Bites

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has quickly become my go-to when I need a comforting and impressive meal without all the fuss. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something satisfying and fast, and let me tell you, it delivered! The aroma of garlic and Parmesan filling my kitchen was incredible, and the taste? Pure bliss. It’s a dish that’s both incredibly creamy and packed with savory flavor, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion. I love how this garlic parmesan pasta with chicken transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary genius, even if you’re short on time. Here’s why it’s earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation:

It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
The creamy, cheesy sauce is pure comfort food bliss.
You get tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked pasta all in one bowl.
As an easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe, it’s incredibly forgiving and hard to mess up.
The rich garlic and Parmesan flavors are simply irresistible.
It’s versatile – feel free to add your favorite veggies!
This easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor payoff.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone, from kids to adults, will devour.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful chicken pasta with garlic and parmesan. The quality of your ingredients really shines through in this simple yet elegant dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

12 oz penne pasta – or your favorite pasta shape
2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the chicken
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes – ensures tender, flavorful bites
1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a foundational garlic flavor
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs for authentic taste
1 teaspoon paprika – for a touch of color and subtle warmth
1/2 teaspoon salt – essential for bringing out all the flavors
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a hint of spice
4 cloves garlic, minced – the star of our garlic-centric sauce
2 tablespoons butter – forms the base of our creamy sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – to thicken the sauce
2 cups chicken broth – the liquid base for our luscious sauce
1 1/2 cups heavy cream – for that signature rich and creamy texture
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the essential salty, nutty flavor
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – adds extra creaminess and a nice melt
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for a burst of freshness and color as a garnish

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Get ready to create a truly delicious creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta dish right in your own kitchen. It’s simpler than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Follow these steps for a meal that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant!

Step 1: Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. While the pasta cooks, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken. Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the sauce base. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, and sauté for about 1 minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Stir in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to create a light roux – this is key for thickening our sauce.
Step 4: Create the creamy sauce. Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Then, gradually add 1 1/2 cups heavy cream. Keep whisking until the sauce starts to thicken nicely. This is where the magic happens for our creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Step 5: Add the cheese. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and you have a smooth, luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss until every piece is beautifully coated. Gently fold in the cooked chicken you set aside earlier. This ensures the chicken is warmed through and coated in that glorious sauce.
Step 7: Serve it up! Garnish your incredible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped and a little extra Parmesan cheese, if you like. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that elevate this dish from good to absolutely spectacular. These tips ensure you get that perfect, restaurant-quality result every time you make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The pre-shredded stuff often has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Don’t be afraid to reserve some of that starchy pasta water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency – a little splash can loosen up a sauce that’s too thick.
Make sure your chicken is cooked through and tender before adding it back to the sauce. Overcooked chicken can make the whole dish tough.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider searing the chicken until it’s deeply golden brown before cubing it.

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

The real secret to achieving the best garlic parmesan chicken pasta is creating a proper panade with the flour and butter, and using good quality, freshly grated Parmesan. This combination ensures a luxuriously creamy and flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully. For more on achieving the perfect sauce consistency, check out these recipes.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy, making your homemade garlic parmesan chicken pasta just as delicious.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

A common pitfall is using pre-shredded cheese, which leads to a less creamy sauce. Another mistake is overcooking the pasta; aim for al dente! Lastly, don’t skip sautéing the flour with the butter and garlic; this cooks out the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth sauce. Learn more about cooking techniques that can help.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This rich and satisfying Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Another fantastic option is some crusty garlic bread for dipping into any extra sauce. If you’re looking for more substantial garlic parmesan chicken pasta side dishes, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus are excellent choices that add color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish. You can find more serving suggestions on our home page.

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Let’s break down the goodness in each serving of this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This recipe is packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients, making it a fantastic main course. Knowing what you’re eating helps you enjoy it even more! For more information on healthy eating, you can consult resources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 645 kcal
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 620 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how well it stores for later. Once your delicious homemade garlic parmesan chicken pasta has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. These can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. For more details on food storage, see our privacy policy which touches on best practices.

When you’re ready to enjoy your pasta again, the reheating process is simple. For refrigerated portions, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through heating. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using either the skillet or microwave method.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

What is the best pasta shape for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

While penne is fantastic, you can use almost any short pasta shape like fettuccine, linguine, or rotini. The key is a shape that holds onto that delicious, creamy sauce. Experimenting with different shapes is part of the fun when you learn how to make garlic parmesan chicken pasta!

Can I add vegetables to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! This dish is wonderfully adaptable. I love adding steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or wilted spinach right at the end with the pasta and chicken. They add great color, texture, and extra nutrients to your meal.

How do I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta without heavy cream?

If you want a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream. Just be aware that the sauce might be a bit thinner, so you might need an extra teaspoon of flour or a bit more cheese to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.

What makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta so creamy?

The creaminess comes from a combination of factors: the heavy cream itself, the melting mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and the roux made from butter and flour. This carefully balanced sauce is what makes learning how to make garlic parmesan chicken pasta so rewarding! Visit our contact page for recipe inquiries.

Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. These variations add new flavors and textures, keeping your meal rotation exciting. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this versatile dish!

Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free option, try using full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast with dairy-free Parmesan. It offers a similar richness.
Pasta Shape Fun: While penne is great, you can easily adapt this to a garlic chicken parmesan linguine. The long strands are perfect for catching that creamy sauce, offering a slightly different eating experience.
Add Veggies: Amp up the nutrition and color by stirring in some steamed broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or roasted red peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. Mushrooms also add a lovely earthy flavor.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.