If you are craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, look no further than this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlicky Parmesan sauce clings beautifully to every bite, creating a rich and satisfying meal that will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is straightforward but plays an essential role, working together to build layers of flavor, creamy texture, and delightful colors on your plate.
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced thin: Lean and tender protein that soaks up the seasoning and cooks quickly for a juicy bite.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in every nook and cranny.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps sear the chicken to a golden brown.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the sauce, providing a silky smooth base for garlic to shine.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that infuses the sauce with its irresistible aroma and taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that wraps around the pasta and chicken.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds depth, sharpness, and a creamy texture that completes the sauce perfectly.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors, balancing the richness beautifully.
- Black pepper, to taste: Provides a gentle heat and peppery kick that complements the creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Offers a fresh, vibrant color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips—this ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to bring out their natural flavor. This first step sets the foundation for the meal.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken in a single layer and sear until a beautiful golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. This caramelization adds wonderful flavor and texture. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Just Right
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your penne pasta according to the package’s instructions until al dente—it should be tender but still have a bit of bite. Drain the pasta, but make sure to save a cup of the starchy pasta water; it will come in handy for perfecting the sauce consistency.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly. This step infuses the butter with aromatic garlic flavor, forming the base of the sauce.
Step 5: Add Cream and Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This simmering step transforms the cream into a rich canvas ready to embrace the bold punch of Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Melt in the Parmesan Cheese
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream, resulting in a luxurious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and achieve a perfectly silky texture that clings to the pasta and chicken.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce
Add the cooked penne back into the skillet, tossing well to coat every piece with the luscious sauce. Then, return the seared chicken strips to the pan and fold everything together so the flavors marry beautifully. This final step brings all the components into one harmonious dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Hot
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your pasta piping hot, with extra Parmesan on the side for those who love an extra cheesy finish. This dish is best enjoyed immediately for the fullest flavor experience.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the rich, creamy sauce and adds a lovely green contrast that makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes. You can also add a crack of fresh black pepper or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil for extra shine.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad featuring citrusy vinaigrette or with sautéed broccoli or green beans for a pop of texture and freshness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are excellent to mop up any glorious leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the pasta in individual deep bowls garnished with a sprig of parsley and extra Parmesan curls. You could even layer it in a clear casserole dish and finish with a crisp breadcrumb topping broiled briefly for a delightful crust that contrasts the creamy interior.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as it sits, but it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe to keep the chicken tender and sauce fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but because of the cream sauce, it may separate upon thawing. To freeze, cool the pasta completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the creamy consistency. Stir often to prevent sticking. Microwaving works too, but watch closely to avoid drying out the chicken or curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can substitute with fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and remember to reserve some pasta water.
What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter sauce?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce. The texture will be slightly less rich but still delicious. Just be careful when simmering to avoid curdling.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance to save time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and even slice it a day ahead. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and add it to the sauce just before serving to reheat gently without drying it out.
Is it necessary to use fresh Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and has a brighter flavor compared to pre-grated versions, which often contain anti-caking agents. For best results and authentic taste, use fresh Parmesan.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese option. Keep in mind the flavor will shift, but it can still be delightful!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has all the elements of a perfect dinner: it’s creamy, flavorful, incredibly satisfying, and comes together fast enough for a weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. Give it a try and let this cozy, cheesy classic become your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and tossed with penne pasta in a rich garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, this recipe delivers a delicious, satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced thin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water for thinning the sauce if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken while stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, stirring everything together to combine flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the dish hot. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese on top for more cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley or basil can be used as alternatives.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Cooking chicken strips thinly ensures quick, even cooking.
