Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in garlic and Parmesan, paired with a creamy pasta sauce, it’s a family favorite that comes together in no time. The combination of flavors creates a comforting and satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy, garlicky, and cheesyโan irresistible flavor combination.
- Versatile and customizable, with variations to suit your preferences.
- Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
- Family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- Chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- Parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and replace it with sautรฉed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-friendly.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Protein swap: Swap chicken for shrimp or even cooked sausage for a different twist on the dish.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or Asiago for a unique flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain its creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) or when the juices run clear when sliced.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but pre-grated can work in a pinch.
Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta?
This dish doesnโt freeze well due to the creamy sauce, which can separate when reheated. Itโs best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of refrigerating.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
What can I serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta?
A fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may take a bit longer to cook but will add extra flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce if itโs too runny?
If the sauce is too runny, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) and stir until thickened.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition and texture.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, the mild and creamy flavors make it a kid-friendly dish that most children will enjoy.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a comforting, flavorful meal that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta creates a dish thatโs sure to satisfy the whole family. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is one youโll turn to again and again!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautรฉ and Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta dish is a comfort food classic. Tender chicken is cooked to perfection and paired with al dente pasta in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a simple, yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Prepare the sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. - Make the creamy Parmesan sauce:
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens. - Combine and serve:
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Then add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until evenly mixed. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. - Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce.
- For added texture, try tossing in some baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes with the chicken.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more chicken broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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