If you're looking for a comforting, yet flavorful meal, this Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken is just what you need! Seasoned, tender chicken is tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It's the kind of dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
Not only is this recipe simple to make, but the combination of garlic, parmesan, and a splash of white wine gives it a rich, savory flavor that's hard to resist. Whether you're making dinner for a busy weeknight or serving it up for guests, this pasta dish will hit the spot every time!
If you are looking for more pasta recipes, check out our: Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta Recipe, Rigatoni Carbonara, Blackened Cajun Salmon Pasta, Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic or Lasagna al Forno.
Or, for more chicken recipes, check out our Greek Roast Chicken, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken, and Chicken Parmesan Alfredo.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple - This delicious dish is simple to make because it uses basic ingredients and comes together in just one pan. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, it's perfect for busy weeknights but still tastes like something you'd get at a restaurant.
- Flavorful - This recipe is loaded with flavor, thanks to the garlic, parmesan, and a splash of white wine that make the creamy sauce super rich and tasty. Plus, the perfectly seasoned chicken takes it to the next level!
- Family friendly - This recipe is super family friendly because it’s easy to make, and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce is something everyone will love. You can also easily switch up the pasta shape or add veggies to suit your family's taste.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy chicken pasta recipe:
- Chicken: I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs if desired. If you have extra hungry guests, I recommending cooking a few extra chicken breasts just in case.
- Olive oil: I recommend using regular olive oil for searing the chicken breasts
- Pasta: I like to use spaghetti for this, but you can use your favorite pasta shape and size.
- Butter: I typically use unsalted butter so I can control the salt content, but a high quality, salted butter is always delicious!
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- White wine: Use a dry white wine. You can also substitute with more chicken broth.
- Chicken broth: You can also use chicken stock or vegetable stock. I love using chicken bone broth for an extra rich flavor with extra protein.
- Heavy cream: I recommend using full fat heavy cream for the flavor and richness in this recipe. One cup goes a long way across 8 servings!
- Parmesan: I always recommend using freshly grated parmigiano reggiano.
- Parsley: Use fresh parsley for a garnish.
Directions
Let's make this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe together!
Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, untouched or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions.
Step 4: While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in the same skillet you cooked the chicken in. Add garlic and cook for one minute or until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the white wine and chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted. Then, bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 7: Add the al dente pasta to the skillet and toss well until pasta is coated with the sauce, adding pasta water if necessary to thin the sauce.
Step 8: Slice the chicken and place on top of the pasta. Top with parsley and serve.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this easy pasta dinner:
- Use a Thermometer - To ensure the chicken is cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and it’s fully cooked when it reaches 165°F.
- Cook pasta al dente - Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce.
- Save pasta water - Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining it; this starchy water can help thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Don’t touch - Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to achieve a nice golden crust and keep it juicy.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this easy weeknight dinner. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Large Pot - A large pot is essential in every kitchen to make soups, boil pasta, and so many other things!
- Large Skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with high sides.
- Meat Thermometer - A meat thermometer is one of the best ways to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. This one is an instant thermometer that works great!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe:
- Chicken - Use turkey breasts, shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy cream - Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Parmesan cheese - Instead of parmesan, try pecorino romano.
- White wine - If you prefer to not use wine, substitute with additional chicken broth.
- Parsley - Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano or basil.
- Additions - Add fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes or broccoli to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Incorporate lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing citrusy flavor. For a creamy twist, blend a bit of cream cheese into the sauce for an extra indulgent and tangy flavor.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this easy pasta recipe:
Easy Garlic Bread - The ultimate, delicious way to soak up all that extra sauce.
Miso Eggplant - You will love the harmony of umami-rich miso, the earthiness of sesame and the freshness of cilantro in this delicious eggplant side dish.
Roasted Portobello Mushrooms - This Roasted Portobello Mushrooms recipe features slices of hearty mushroom caps seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. With a tender, juicy texture and a rich flavor, these mushrooms are a perfect side dish or a tasty appetizer. You'll find yourself reaching for this simple yet flavorful recipe again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe! Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you could also try fettuccine, penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just pick your favorite, and it will work beautifully with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce
For the best flavor and texture, freshly grated parmesan is ideal. Avoid pre-grated or powdered parmesan if possible, as they often contain additives that can affect the sauce's creaminess and flavor.
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time by cooking the pasta, sauce, and chicken separately, then storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat everything together, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage instructions for this delicious meal:.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Other Recipes to Try
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Stock Pot
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta of your choice I used spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, untouched, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat butter in the same skillet used to cook the chicken. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add white wine and chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the starts to thicken.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until combined. Add pasta water if necessary to thin the sauce.
- Slice chicken and add it to the skillet. Top with parsley and serve.
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