If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken cubes coated in a luscious, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that lovingly clings to every strand of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s comfort food elevated with simple, fresh ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe balances rich flavors with satisfying textures, effortlessly delivering a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the buttery base to the sharp salty tang of Parmesan, every component is essential to achieve that classic balance you love.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: Provides tender, lean protein that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb pasta: Choose your favorite kind—penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work perfectly as the saucy foundation.
- 3 tbsp butter: Offers rich flavor and a silky texture when browning the chicken and building the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses every bite with aromatic depth and a subtle kick that garlic lovers will adore.
- 1 cup cream: Creates the luxurious, smooth consistency of the sauce that coats the chicken and pasta.
- 1 cup Parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty creaminess that makes the sauce irresistible and slightly tangy.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. This means the pasta will have a slight bite, offering the perfect texture that holds up once tossed with the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken in Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s sizzling. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Browning the chicken adds beautiful flavor and locks in juiciness, which is key for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Once the chicken is browned, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until fragrant—garlic should be soft and aromatic but not burnt, as that would introduce bitterness. The garlic is the heart of the sauce’s flavor profile, making this step crucial.
Step 4: Pour in Cream and Parmesan
Slowly add the cream to the skillet, stirring everything together. Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy. This rich sauce is what makes the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe so deeply satisfying and comforting.
Step 5: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce
Finally, add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss gently, ensuring every strand or piece is coated with that delicious garlic-Parmesan sauce and flavorful chicken. This final step melds everything together for the perfect harmony of taste and texture.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. These herbs add a pop of vibrant green color and fresh flavor brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top offers a nice savory finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides like a simple green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The freshness of these sides complements the creamy sauce, providing contrast and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in warm, shallow bowls to keep the sauce cozy and creamy. For a fun twist, try plating individual portions in elegant ramekins or small baking dishes and broil for a couple of minutes to create a golden, bubbly Parmesan crust on top that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any remaining Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes nicely. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing, so it’s best to freeze before tossing the pasta with the sauce for optimal results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly, and adjust cooking time if needed.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is very versatile, so you can use your favorite pasta—penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle all work well, providing different textures and mouthfeel.
Can I substitute the cream with something lighter?
You can substitute the cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick and rich. To thicken it, you could add a bit of cornstarch slurry if needed.
Is there a way to add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms are fantastic additions. Simply sauté them alongside the chicken or fold in some fresh spinach at the end to warm through without wilting too much.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish safe for gluten-intolerant diners. Check that your Parmesan and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten additives as well. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels indulgent without being complicated, perfect for both busy weeknights and special dinners. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create something truly delicious that comforts and delights. Give it a try—once you do, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
A delicious and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a rich garlic and Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly tossed with pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
- Brown Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour the cream into the skillet, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the chicken nicely, about 5 minutes.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Divide the creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta onto plates and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy milk alternative.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
- Salt and pepper can be adjusted according to dietary preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
