There was a weeknight not long ago when I found myself staring at a nearly empty fridge, wondering what on earth to make for dinner. I had boneless chicken, some pasta, a bit of Parmesan cheese left, and garlic—simple staples, but nothing planned. That’s when this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta came to the rescue. It’s become one of those go-to dishes in my kitchen because it’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and made from ingredients I almost always have on hand.
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta fits perfectly into real home cooking because it’s reliable and satisfying. You don’t need special trips to the store or tricky cooking skills to pull it off. What makes it worth making is how quickly it comes together and the comfort it delivers—a creamy sauce with just the right balance of garlic and cheese clinging to tender chicken and pasta. Plus, it’s great for weeknights when you want something more than plain pasta but don’t want to spend hours fussing over dinner.
I keep this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe handy for days when I want a meal that feels like a treat but is still simple enough for any level of home cook. If you’re a fellow home cook searching for a dependable recipe that won’t let you down, I warmly invite you to try this one. It’s a recipe that delivers comfort and smiles every time, no matter who’s at your table.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 ounces pasta (I use penne or rotini, but any kind works)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the star of our garlic Parmesan chicken pasta)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated makes a difference, but pre-grated works too)
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creamy garlic chicken pasta)
- 1 cup chicken broth (adds flavor to the sauce without heaviness)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but lovely)
No worries if you don’t have penne—I often swap in farfalle or even spaghetti for this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta. For a dairy-free version, I’ve tried substituting the milk with unsweetened almond milk and using nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan with decent results. You’ll find these ingredients in the regular grocery aisles, so no hunting around special stores.
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta keeps costs reasonable because it relies on pantry staples and one protein, making it budget-friendly for hungry families. To save even more time, I sometimes use pre-minced garlic or freshly shredded Parmesan from the deli counter. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat gently to avoid drying out the creamy sauce.
One little change I make to my garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is to add a splash of cream or extra cheese at the end for a richer sauce. It’s a small touch that makes this everyday dinner feel a bit special.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While that cooks, you can prep the chicken and garlic.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes depending on size. Don’t rush this step—crispy edges add flavor to your garlic Parmesan chicken pasta.
- Sauté the Garlic: Push the chicken to the side or remove it temporarily. Add butter to the pan and then minced garlic. Let it cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn or the garlic Parmesan chicken pasta will taste bitter.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. This creamy garlic chicken pasta sauce thickens as it cooks, so be patient.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently so the sauce coats every bite. If your garlic Parmesan chicken pasta looks a bit thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
From start to finish, this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing when it’s ready, which always makes mealtime feel extra cozy.
If you want a shortcut, you can try a one pot chicken Parmesan pasta approach where you cook pasta and chicken all in one skillet with the sauce. It saves dishes and time, and Prevention RD shares a popular recipe for it here.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. I especially like serving it with roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach because the greens balance the creamy sauce.
My favorite way to serve garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is for a cozy family dinner, especially on cooler evenings when something warm and filling hits the spot. Friends have told me it’s perfect for casual get-togethers too—comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy or complicated.
If you have leftovers, turn this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta into a quick bake by adding extra cheese on top and popping it in the oven for 10 minutes. I’ve also stirred in some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for seasonal variations that add a new twist.
For more dinner ideas like this, your family might also enjoy this chicken piccata pasta or my favorite Cajun chicken pasta recipe—both great crowd-pleasers that come together quickly.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prep it a day ahead and reheat gently. The sauce may thicken in the fridge; just stir in a splash of milk when warming.
What’s a good substitute for Parmesan cheese?
As much as I love the real deal, Pecorino Romano works well too. For dairy-free, try nutritional yeast—though the flavor shifts a bit.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicy and a bit more flavorful, making your garlic Parmesan chicken pasta even more tender.
How do I adjust this recipe for more or fewer people?
It’s easy to scale up or down. Just keep pasta-to-chicken ratio similar and adjust sauce ingredients accordingly.
What pasta shape works best for this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta?
Anything with ridges like penne or fusilli grabs the creamy garlic sauce nicely, but spaghetti or linguine works if that’s what you have.
Is there a one pot version?
Yes, one pot chicken Parmesan pasta recipes are great for saving cleanup. This one from Prevention RD is super straightforward.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, spinach, or mushrooms mix in well and boost nutrition without changing the classic flavor much.
Final Thoughts:
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s a dependable, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s written right into my weeknight rotation and always disappears quickly at the table.
My Best garlic Parmesan chicken pasta Tips:
- Take your time browning the chicken—it adds depth.
- Don’t skip fresh garlic; it makes all the difference.
- Stir the Parmesan in slowly for a silky sauce.
I’ve tested variations with penne, farfalle, and even gluten-free pasta with great results. Adding spinach or a bit of cream changes things up nicely while keeping it simple. The version that gets requested most is the classic creamy garlic chicken pasta with just Parmesan, garlic, and chicken—it’s a straightforward winner.
I encourage you to make this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta your own. Adjust seasonings, swap in favorite greens, or try different cheeses. What matters is you get to enjoy a dependable, tasty meal your family will return to again and again.
For more ideas, check out this garlic Parmesan chicken and pasta (one-pan) recipe from Munchin with Maddie or join the conversation around Parmesan garlic chicken pasta recipe for quick dinner on this fun Facebook group.
Happy cooking, friends. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
garlic Parmesan chicken pasta
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and a flavorful garlic sauce for an easy and comforting Italian-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then toss in the cooked pasta. Mix until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.