This garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings bold flavor and easy prep to any weeknight dinner. Tender strips of seasoned chicken swim in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that clings to al dente penne. In under 30 minutes, you’ll transform simple pantry staples—pasta, garlic, Parmesan, and cream—into a filling pasta dinner that energizes your meal plan. The sauce balances sharp cheese and roasted garlic notes, while juicy chicken adds protein and heartiness. Whether you need a quick chicken pasta recipe or crave a crowd-pleasing dinner, this dish delivers rich taste without complicated steps. Get ready to make a recipe that fuels your family and keeps everyone asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its speedy prep and restaurant-style flavor at home. Seasoned chicken breasts sear quickly, locking in juiciness. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce, made with grated Parmesan and heavy cream, coats every pasta spiral for a velvety finish. This easy chicken pasta recipe uses pantry staples—garlic, broth, and pasta—so you can whip it up any night. It energizes meals with protein-rich chicken and indulgent sauce without heavy effort. Plus, cleanup is simple when you use one skillet for chicken and sauce, and a single pot for pasta. From busy weeknights to casual dinner gatherings, this crowd-pleasing pasta dinner stands out with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
Trim excess fat and cut into 1-inch strips for even cooking and easy coating with sauce. - Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Season chicken and sauce; start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, adjust to taste. - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
Use oil for a lighter finish or butter for richer flavor when searing chicken. - 8 oz (about 2 cups) penne pasta
Choose semolina or whole-wheat; the ridged tubes hold sauce well. Cook to al dente. - 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
Fresh garlic delivers bright, aromatic flavor. Add when the pan is hot to avoid burning. - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Forms the sauce base and adds savory depth. Use broth at room temperature to speed up sauce. - 1 cup heavy cream
Creates a silky texture. Pour in after broth to thicken the sauce without separation. - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Use a microplane to grate directly over the sauce. Fresh Parmesan melts smoothly and boosts umami. - Optional garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness
- Pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken.
Pat chicken strips dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil or butter until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
4. Sauté garlic.
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
5. Make the sauce.
Pour in chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes.
6. Combine pasta and chicken.
Return the chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Add cooked penne. Toss gently until pasta and chicken are evenly coated in creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
7. Adjust seasoning.
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
8. Finish and serve.
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan on the side.
This process yields al dente pasta, juicy chicken, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken shortcut: Swap fresh chicken breasts for 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken. Add it with the pasta to cut cooking time further.
- Swap pasta shapes: Try fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle instead of penne to change texture and presentation.
- Add vegetables: Stir in 2 cups baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli during the final toss for color and nutrients.
- Cream cheese boost: Stir 2 ounces softened cream cheese into the sauce for extra silkiness and tang.
- Make it in a Crockpot: Combine raw chicken strips, broth, garlic, and seasonings in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, then shred chicken and add cream, Parmesan, and cooked pasta.
- Spicy twist: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Herb infusion: Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning with the broth or top with fresh basil, oregano, or chives before serving.
- Lighter option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. Warm gently to avoid curdling.
- Cheesy bake: Transfer combined pasta and chicken to a baking dish, top with extra Parmesan, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Make ahead: Prepare sauce and chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately from pasta in the fridge. Reheat sauce, stir in freshly cooked pasta, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread pairing: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up every drop of creamy sauce.
- Simple salad side: Pair with a crisp green salad—mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette—for balance.
- Roasted vegetables: Add roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini on the side for added texture and nutrition.
- Wine match: Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce.
- Family-style platter: Spoon pasta into a large serving dish, sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, and let guests help themselves.
- Meal-prep bowls: Portion into containers, refrigerate, and reheat for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.
- Garnish ideas: Top each plate with freshly cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for visual appeal.
- Protein boost: Add sliced grilled sausages or crispy pancetta on top for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Side soups: Serve alongside cream of mushroom or tomato bisque for a comforting, multi-course meal.
- Family-friendly twist: Offer ketchup or marinara on the side for kids who love dipping their pasta in sauces.
Conclusion
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers creamy, crave-worthy flavor with minimal effort. Juicy chicken strips and al dente penne unite in a rich garlic parmesan sauce that energizes any meal. Whether you need a fast weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe ticks all the boxes—taste, speed, and simplicity. Serve it hot, garnish as you like, and enjoy a flavorful pasta dinner that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
- Trim excess fat and cut into 1-inch strips for even cooking and easy coating with sauce.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Season chicken and sauce; start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper adjust to taste.
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- Use oil for a lighter finish or butter for richer flavor when searing chicken.
8 oz (about 2 cups) penne pasta
- Choose semolina or whole-wheat; the ridged tubes hold sauce well. Cook to al dente.
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- Fresh garlic delivers bright aromatic flavor. Add when the pan is hot to avoid burning.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Forms the sauce base and adds savory depth. Use broth at room temperature to speed up sauce.
1 cup heavy cream
- Creates a silky texture. Pour in after broth to thicken the sauce without separation.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Use a microplane to grate directly over the sauce. Fresh Parmesan melts smoothly and boosts umami.
Optional garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness
- Pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat
Instructions
Cook the pasta.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken.
- Pat chicken strips dry and season with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil or butter until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Sauté garlic.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
Make the sauce.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes.
Combine pasta and chicken.
- Return the chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Add cooked penne. Toss gently until pasta and chicken are evenly coated in creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Adjust seasoning.
- Taste and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Finish and serve.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan on the side.
Notes
FAQs
What pasta goes with chicken parmesan?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well. Their ridges and tubes hold garlic parmesan sauce evenly. You can also use spaghetti for a classic pairing or bowtie pasta for a playful twist.
What sauce is best for chicken parm?
A rich garlic parmesan sauce highlights savory chicken. For a tomato-based option, classic marinara adds bright acidity. You can also use creamy Alfredo for extra indulgence or blend both for a pink vodka-style sauce.
Is there sugar in garlic parmesan sauce?
Traditional garlic parmesan sauce contains no added sugar. It relies on onion, garlic, and Parmesan for natural sweetness. If you prefer a touch of balance, stir in ½ teaspoon of sugar or honey during sauce prep.
How many calories are in chicken parmesan without pasta?
A standard serving of chicken parmesan (breaded breast with cheese and sauce) has about 400–500 calories. Removing pasta cuts carbs and reduces the total by roughly 200–250 calories, depending on portion size and preparation.
