Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Creamy, cheesy, and full of garlicky goodness, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a dish that combines comforting pasta with juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner after a long day or want to impress family and friends, this recipe hits all the right notes. The rich Parmesan sauce clings to every bite of pasta while the herby, well-seasoned chicken adds the perfect savory contrast.

This one-skillet meal not only looks gourmet, it tastes like it too — without requiring hours in the kitchen. With a few everyday ingredients and a simple cooking process, this dish turns into something you’d expect at a fancy restaurant. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, easy to customize, and guaranteed to satisfy every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Flavor-packed: From the garlicky Alfredo-style sauce to the seared, seasoned chicken, each bite bursts with flavor.
• One-pan convenience: Fewer dishes to clean, and everything comes together beautifully in a single skillet.
• Perfect for weeknights: Quick enough for busy days, comforting enough for a Friday night treat.
• Kid-friendly: Creamy pasta and chicken are always a hit with the little ones.
• Customizable: Switch up the pasta shape or add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

This recipe works beautifully with cavatappi, as seen in the photo, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. The key is to pick a pasta shape that holds sauce well. Cavatappi’s corkscrew twists capture the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce in every bite. If you prefer a lighter dish, try using whole wheat or chickpea pasta. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s cooked al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when tossed in the sauce.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at why each one matters:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick searing and slicing. They provide lean protein and soak up all the seasoning beautifully.
• Cavatappi pasta: This curly pasta holds onto the sauce incredibly well, giving you creamy bites every time.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings bold flavor and is the heart of this recipe’s aromatic base.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce naturally when melted.
• Butter: Used for sautéing and flavor, butter gives the sauce extra richness.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and build a golden crust.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the chicken and gives the sauce depth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce to perfection.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a mild herby finish.

How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and let rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil water in a separate pot and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat and add butter. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and stir gently. Add grated Parmesan and stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Use a splash of pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer together for a minute so the pasta absorbs the flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Serve Chicken

Slice the rested chicken into strips and arrange on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

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Serving and Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This hearty dish serves about 4 people, making it a great option for small family dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. While it can be frozen, the texture of the cream sauce may change, so refrigeration is preferred for best results.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is the classic companion to any creamy pasta dish.

2. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan shavings, and creamy Caesar dressing bring a fresh, tangy balance.

3. Roasted Vegetables

A mix of roasted broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers adds color, nutrients, and a slightly sweet contrast.

4. Sautéed Spinach

A simple side of garlic sautéed spinach adds greens without overpowering the dish.

5. Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with a drizzle of balsamic are light and refreshing.

6. Lemon Asparagus

Bright and zesty, lemon-tossed asparagus cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.

7. Crusty Baguette

Serve warm slices of baguette to mop up every last bit of that garlic-Parmesan sauce.

8. Sparkling Water with Lemon

A crisp beverage like sparkling water with a splash of lemon refreshes the palate between bites.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes! If you have leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, just slice and add it to the pasta during the final step. Warm it up in the sauce for a few minutes so the flavors blend well.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a bit of cream cheese. The result may be slightly less rich, but still delicious and creamy.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe is not gluten-free, but you can easily adapt it using your favorite gluten-free pasta and making sure your Parmesan and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. How can I make this dish spicy?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

5. Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Sure! Pecorino Romano is a great alternative with a sharper flavor, or try a blend of Asiago and Mozzarella for extra creaminess.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or spinach? Did you go spicy or keep it classic?
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Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but fits easily into your weekly dinner rotation. It’s rich, flavorful, and flexible enough to match whatever you have in the fridge. Whether you’re serving it up for guests or making it for a weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to earn compliments. Give it a try, and you just might find your new favorite pasta recipe!

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