Name: Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; 1 lb fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta; 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water); ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (1 cup); 4-6 large cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta — the very name conjures images of a delightfully aromatic, incredibly satisfying meal, doesn’t it? I know for me, it instantly brings to mind those cozy evenings spent around the dinner table, a bowl of creamy, savory goodness warming both body and soul. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a symphony of robust flavors that has carved a special place in the hearts of home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

Why We Adore Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta

While its exact ancient origins might be debated, this delectable combination has evolved beautifully from the rich tapestry of Italian-American cuisine, adapting classic flavors into a universally beloved comfort food. People absolutely adore this dish for its irresistible creamy texture, the pungent kick of fresh garlic perfectly balanced with the sharp, salty notes of Parmesan cheese, and the tender, succulent chicken pieces that make every bite a delight. It’s remarkably versatile, surprisingly convenient for a weeknight meal, and yet feels incredibly indulgent. The way the garlic infuses the entire dish, creating an intoxicating aroma even before the first bite, is truly magical. For many, it’s the ultimate expression of hearty, flavorful simplicity. Preparing your own Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta at home allows you to control the freshness and quality of ingredients, elevating this already fantastic dish to new heights of deliciousness.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta (your favorite shape that holds sauce well!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta water, optional but helpful)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water, essential for flavor)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (I truly believe there’s no such thing as too much garlic in a “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta” dish!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium is often best to control seasoning)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish (don’t skimp on quality!)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle warmth)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing and Cooking the Chicken for our Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta

Prepare the Chicken: Let’s kick things off by getting our chicken perfectly prepped for that irresistible golden sear. If you’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, I find it incredibly helpful to either slice each large breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, or place them individually between two sheets of plastic wrap. Then, using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2-inch. This step isn’t just about tenderness; it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, which is crucial for juicy results. If you prefer the rich flavor of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, simply trim any excess fat; no pounding is necessary for them. Regardless of your choice, once your chicken pieces are ready, pat them absolutely dry with paper towels. This step is non-negotiable! Excess moisture prevents the chicken from browning effectively, leading to steaming instead of searing, and we want a beautiful, crispy exterior for our “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.”
Season and Dredge: In a shallow dish or a wide plate, let’s create our flavorful coating. Combine the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Give these dry ingredients a good whisk until they’re thoroughly mixed. Now, take each piece of your prepared chicken and dredge it lightly but completely in this seasoned flour mixture. Ensure every side is evenly coated, then gently shake off any excess flour. We’re aiming for a thin, uniform dusting, not a thick batter. This flour coating not only helps create that beautiful, golden-brown crust we’re after but also acts as a slight thickener for any delicious pan drippings, contributing to the overall richness of our “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.”
Pan-Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a sturdy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the hot pan. The olive oil helps raise the smoke point of the butter, preventing it from burning, while the butter adds a wonderful richness and depth of flavor to our chicken. Once the butter is melted and sizzling gently, carefully place the floured chicken pieces into the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed rather than seared chicken. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This searing process is absolutely essential for developing incredible flavor and texture, truly elevating the chicken component of your “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.” Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken stays tender, juicy, and succulent. We’ll slice it later, but for now, let it relax.

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection for our Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta

Boil the Water: While your perfectly seared chicken is resting, or even concurrently if you’re adept at multitasking in the kitchen, it’s time to get our pasta ready. Fill a large pot, one of your biggest, with at least 4-6 quarts of water. I cannot stress this enough: add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. This is not an optional step! Salting your pasta water generously is the only way to season the pasta itself from the inside out, making a profound difference in the final taste and overall deliciousness of your “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.” Bring the water to a vigorous, rolling boil over high heat. You want it bubbling fiercely before adding the pasta.
Cook the Pasta: Once the water is at a proper rolling boil, add your 1 lb of fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta to the pot. Immediately give it a gentle stir to prevent the pasta from sticking together. While optional, you can also add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water; this can further help prevent sticking and impart a subtle, silky texture to the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but always aim for al dente. This means the pasta should be tender when you bite into it, but still have a slight, pleasant chew – not mushy or overly soft. Cooking it al dente is incredibly important because the pasta will continue to cook a bit more when we toss it with our hot sauce, preventing it from becoming overcooked and limp in the finished “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.”
Reserve Pasta Water: Before you even think about draining that pasta, this is a truly critical step for any exceptional creamy pasta dish, and especially for our “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta”! Carefully scoop out about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the starchy pasta cooking water into a heatproof mug or a sturdy bowl. This cloudy, starchy liquid is pure culinary gold; it contains emulsified starches that will be used later to help create the most incredibly smooth, rich, and cohesive sauce. It helps the sauce cling beautifully to every strand of pasta. Once you’ve reserved this precious liquid, drain the rest of the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta! Rinsing removes the very starches that we want to keep, as they are key to helping the sauce adhere perfectly to the pasta.

Crafting the Rich Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Sauté the Garlic: Now, let’s build the heart of our “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta” – the incredible sauce. Using the same large skillet where you cooked the chicken (yes, those browned bits, or ‘fond,’ are pure flavor and should be cherished!), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted and gently shimmering, add your 6-8 cloves of minced garlic. Oh, the aroma that immediately fills your kitchen is heavenly! Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s wonderfully fragrant and just starting to turn a light golden color. Exercise extreme caution here not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will impart a bitter, unpleasant taste that can unfortunately overpower and spoil the entire sauce. We’re aiming for that sweet, mellow, deeply aromatic garlic flavor to be a star.
Deglaze and Build the Base: Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth (low sodium is often my preference, allowing me to control the saltiness of the final dish). Immediately use a wooden spoon or a spatula to gently and thoroughly scrape up any and all browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This vital process is called deglazing, and it unlocks a treasure trove of concentrated flavors left behind by the chicken, incorporating them directly into our sauce. Let the broth simmer for about 1 minute, allowing it to reduce slightly and for its flavors to become more concentrated.
Add the Cream and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Slowly pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream, stirring continuously as you do so. This is where the sauce truly begins to take on its luxurious character. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. If you appreciate a subtle warmth and a tiny kick, now is the time to add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until it starts to thicken slightly. We want a very gentle simmer, barely a whisper of bubbles, to prevent the cream from splitting or curdling.
Incorporate the Parmesan for Ultimate Creaminess: Remove the skillet from the heat, or keep it on the absolute lowest setting to prevent overheating. Now, gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly and vigorously until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. Using freshly grated Parmesan is absolutely critical for this step; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a gritty or clumpy sauce. The fresh stuff melts beautifully, creating a wonderfully silky, rich, and emulsified consistency that is utterly essential for a truly fantastic “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta.” Taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You might find it needs a tiny bit more salt, a touch more pepper, or even a dash more Italian seasoning to perfectly suit your palate.

Bringing it All Together: The Grand Finale of our Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta!

Slice the Chicken: With your magnificent garlic parmesan sauce ready and waiting, retrieve that beautifully rested chicken. Slice it into bite-sized strips or cubes. This not only makes it easier and more enjoyable to eat but also maximizes the surface area, allowing the chicken to soak up even more of that incredible, creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Now for the moment of truth! Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with your glorious, aromatic garlic parmesan sauce. Using a pair of sturdy tongs, toss the pasta thoroughly, ensuring every single strand or piece is lovingly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. This is precisely where that reserved pasta water proves its worth. If the sauce seems a little too thick at this point, or if you simply prefer a looser, silkier consistency, add a splash or two (start with 1/4 cup) of the reserved pasta water, stirring until you achieve your desired texture. The starches in the water will help the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the pasta, making your Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta incredibly cohesive and luscious.
Add the Chicken: Gently fold the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir just enough to distribute the chicken evenly throughout the entire dish. Allow it to heat through for a minute or two over very low heat, making sure everything is wonderfully warm and ready to be devoured. You want the chicken to warm up without overcooking the pasta.
Serve and Garnish with Flair: It’s finally time to celebrate the delicious outcome of your efforts! Divide the “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta” generously among individual serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle each portion liberally with fresh, finely chopped parsley for a vibrant burst of color and a delightful herbaceous freshness. A final, generous dusting of extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always, always a good idea in my book, adding another layer of salty, umami goodness that perfectly complements the dish.
Enjoy Immediately for the Best Experience: This comforting and incredibly flavorful “Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta” dish is truly at its peak when served immediately, while the pasta is perfectly coated and the sauce is warm, creamy, and wonderfully aromatic. While leftovers are certainly still delicious (and often disappear quickly!), the sauce is at its most sublime when freshly made. Get ready to indulge in a meal that is sure to become a new family favorite, hitting all the right notes for a satisfying and truly memorable homemade dinner.

<h2>Conclusion:</h2>

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the end of our culinary journey for today, but truly, it’s just the beginning of your delicious adventure! If there’s one recipe I could implore you to try from my collection, it’s this incredibly satisfying dish. We’ve talked about the simplicity, the robust flavors, and the undeniable comfort it brings to any table. This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a symphony of savory notes, from the perfectly cooked, tender chicken infused with aromatic garlic to the rich, creamy sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. The grated Parmesan adds that irresistible salty, umami kick that ties everything together into a cohesive, mouth-watering experience. It’s the kind of meal that silences a busy kitchen and elicits contented sighs from everyone around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking journey, this recipe is designed for success, promising a gourmet taste without the gourmet effort. It’s truly a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with just a little bit of love and attention. I genuinely believe that once you make this, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your weekly rotation, much like it has in mine. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight in or an impressive yet easy dish for unexpected guests.

<h4>Elevate Your Experience with Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations</h4>
While this Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta stands perfectly on its own as a complete meal, there are so many wonderful ways to complement it or even put your own unique spin on it. For serving, I always recommend a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity cut beautifully through the richness of the pasta, balancing the meal wonderfully. A side of warm, crusty bread, perhaps a ciabatta or a baguette, is also an absolute must – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. You could also roast some asparagus or broccoli florets with a sprinkle of lemon zest to add a vibrant vegetable component.

But let’s talk about variations, because this recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
<ul>
<li>Add More Veggies: Sauté some fresh spinach or kale with the garlic for added nutrients and color. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) can be wonderful additions, incorporated during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce.</li>
<li>Switch Up the Protein: While chicken is classic, try substituting shrimp for a seafood twist, or even browned Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference). For a vegetarian option, you could swap the chicken for pan-fried crispy tofu or cannellini beans.</li>
<li>Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give the dish a lovely warmth without overpowering the other flavors.</li>
<li>Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is key, don’t hesitate to experiment with a blend of cheeses. A little grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano mixed in can add a deeper, sharper flavor profile. Always aim for freshly grated cheese – it truly makes all the difference!</li>
<li>Herb Power: A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the very end brightens the dish and adds another layer of freshness.</li>
<li>Pasta Alternatives: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape! Fettuccine, penne, farfalle, or even orecchiette would work beautifully to catch all that glorious sauce.</li>
</ul>

Remember, cooking is an art, and these suggestions are just starting points for your own culinary creativity. Don’t be shy about experimenting with what you have on hand and what you love.

<h4>Your Turn! Share Your Delicious Journey!</h4>
Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and inspiration, it’s your turn to head into the kitchen and make this magic happen! I promise you, the aroma alone will be enough to get your taste buds tingling, and that first bite? Pure bliss. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a truly delicious meal from scratch, especially one that brings smiles to the faces of those you share it with. Don’t just read about it; experience the satisfaction for yourself. When you’ve whipped up your own batch of this delightful pasta, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you try a variation? What was your favorite part? Did it become an instant family favorite? Your feedback and culinary adventures inspire me and our entire community of food lovers. Sharing your experience not only helps me refine my recipes but also encourages others to dive in and try something new. So go forth, cook with joy, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta dish. Happy cooking, everyone!