The Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl: juicy bites of seasoned chicken melded with tender pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce that’s as luscious as it is easy to make. This dish checks every box for a satisfying weeknight meal, and its bold flavors and rich texture make it just as perfect for impressing dinner guests. With a few simple, fresh ingredients and one skillet, you’ll have the kind of meal everyone requests on repeat—trust me, this is one for your regular rotation!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how a handful of simple ingredients transform into a deeply flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe. Each item plays its part: from juicy chicken and aromatic seasonings to cheeses that melt into a silken sauce—the magic is all in the details.

Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and lean, tender bites.
Olive Oil: A quality olive oil gives a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that rich, aromatic foundation every great creamy pasta needs.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses every bite with classic Italian flavor—oregano, basil, and thyme shine here.
Salt: Don’t skip this—salt amplifies all the savory flavors throughout the recipe.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch wakes up the sauce and balances the creaminess.
Pasta: Penne or fettuccine are perfect—choose your favorite shape for catching all that sauce.
Butter: Melting butter with garlic builds the decadent base for the creamy sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: This quickly creates a roux, thickening your sauce into silky perfection.
Milk: Milk keeps things light and balances the richness of the cream.
Heavy Cream: For that irresistible, luxurious texture that clings to every noodle.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated brings the nutty, salty depth that’s the star of this sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a little oozy melt and stretch that’s pure comfort food bliss.
Chopped Parsley: A fresh, colorful finish—totally optional, but it brightens the whole dish beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your favorite pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook until al dente—that perfect tender-chewy texture—then drain and set aside. This simple step lays the foundation for all the creamy goodness to come!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In your largest skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it handy—you’ll want every last juicy morsel.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet (don’t clean out those flavorful browned bits!), melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and your kitchen smells incredible. This garlicky base is what gives the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe its irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking it for a minute to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to keep things lump-free and creamy. In about three to four minutes, your sauce will thicken into a dreamy canvas, ready for cheese.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses

Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until they’ve completely melted into the sauce. The result is a glossy, rich, and velvety sauce that will hug every piece of pasta and chicken. Taste and season if needed—sometimes a little extra parmesan does wonders!

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken to the skillet. Gently toss or fold everything together so each piece is cloaked in the creamy, cheesy sauce. Let it warm through for a minute or two, then you’re ready to plate and enjoy your homemade Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Scatter a handful of freshly chopped parsley or even a last dusting of parmesan over each portion just before serving. These final touches add a pop of color and a hit of freshness that balances the dish’s creamy decadence perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Warm, crusty garlic bread is also irresistible for mopping up any extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into a dinner-party star by serving it in individual bowls, twirling the pasta around a fork for a chef-style look, or even baking leftovers in a casserole dish with extra shredded cheese on top. For a lighter presentation, spoon it over a bed of steamed broccoli or wilted spinach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe can be cooled completely, then tucked into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days; the flavors only get deeper and cozier as it sits!

Freezing

This creamy pasta freezes surprisingly well—just portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and stir in a splash of milk or cream during reheating to refresh the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding extra milk or cream as needed. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover your bowl and use 50 percent power to reheat slowly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and richness; just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed. Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe will be just as delicious—maybe more so!

Can I make it gluten-free?

Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. The creamy sauce and savory flavors stay just as satisfying!

What vegetables can I add to make it a one-bowl meal?

Great question—stir in steamed broccoli florets, baby spinach, or even frozen peas right before tossing everything together. They’ll soak up the sauce and add gorgeous color and nutrition to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to two days in advance and refrigerated. Gently reheat it on the stove before combining with freshly cooked pasta and chicken.

How do I avoid a clumpy cheese sauce?

Add the cheeses slowly and make sure your cream sauce is warm but not boiling when you stir them in. This helps everything melt smoothly and avoids a grainy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe delivers on every front: quick to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly comforting. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your family and friends. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be hooked by the first glorious bite!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe. Tender chicken and al dente pasta are coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with hints of garlic and Italian seasoning. A comforting and satisfying meal that comes together easily for a delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Heat for 1–2 minutes until everything is warmed through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.