Name: Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (Costabile Brand); 1.5 lb Springer mountain farms chicken breast; 1.5 teaspoon paprika (OliveNation); 1.5 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (OliveNation); 0.5 teaspoon thyme; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 12 oz gluten free farfalle pasta; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoon dry shallots; 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons Gluten Free 1:1 Flour; 3 cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Additional grated Parmesan cheese (for serving); 2 cups reserved pasta water

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a dish that consistently delivers comfort and profound satisfaction. I firmly believe there are few aromas more inviting than the rich scent of garlic sizzling, mingling with savory chicken, soon to be enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This beloved pasta creation, while perhaps not steeped in centuries of ancient tradition, has certainly cemented its place as a modern classic in countless homes, evolving from simple, wholesome ingredients into an irresistible weeknight hero.

People absolutely adore this dish, and it’s easy to see why. It masterfully combines the succulent tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken with the pungent warmth of fresh garlic, all brought together by a lusciously smooth Parmesan sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of al dente pasta.

It’s the kind of meal that feels both incredibly indulgent and surprisingly achievable, making it a frequent request for busy evenings.

The balance of flavors – from the sharp tang of Parmesan to the herbaceous undertones – makes every bite an experience. When you crave something profoundly satisfying, bursting with flavor, and wonderfully creamy, the call for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is undeniable.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 2 large (about 1.5 lbs total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces (about 340g) fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta water, optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
- 2 cups reserved pasta water (crucial for the sauce!)
For the Rich Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (I love my garlic, so I often lean towards 8!)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (Parmigiano-Reggiano makes a huge difference!)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste (remember the cheese is salty!)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken:

Let’s kick things off with our star ingredient, the chicken. Properly prepared chicken is key to a truly outstanding Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, ensuring every bite is flavorful and tender.

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, unwrap your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is super important because it helps us get a beautiful, golden-brown sear later. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you might want to slice them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, or gently pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This spice blend is a fantastic starting point for building layers of flavor. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously all over both sides of the dried chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated. Gently press the spices into the meat to help them adhere.
Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet, preferably a cast iron or a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan, over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. We want the pan and oil to be nice and hot before the chicken goes in, which helps create that desirable sear. You’ll see the oil shimmer when it’s ready.
Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side. Resist the urge to move them too soon! This crucial step allows a beautiful, caramelized crust to form, locking in juices and adding incredible flavor. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the edges look opaque and the bottom has a deep golden-brown color.
Ensure Doneness: After flipping, continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, and we definitely don’t want that for our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta!
Rest and Slice: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is non-negotiable! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and moist chicken. After resting, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin strips, whichever you prefer. Set it aside for later.

Cooking the Pasta:

While the chicken is resting, let’s get our pasta ready. The quality of your pasta and how it’s cooked can truly make or break a dish like our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

Boil Water: Grab a large pot – seriously, go big! We need plenty of room for the pasta to move around freely. Fill it with at least 4-6 quarts of water. Place it over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil.
Season the Water: Once the water is vigorously boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt. Don’t skip the salt! This is your only chance to season the pasta itself from the inside out, making it flavorful rather than bland. If desired, you can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the water, which some find helps prevent the pasta from sticking, although a good stir usually suffices.
Add the Pasta: Carefully add your chosen pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work wonderfully here) to the boiling water. Give it a good stir immediately to prevent the strands from clumping together.
Cook to Al Dente: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, subtracting about 1-2 minutes from the suggested cooking time. We’re aiming for “al dente,” which means “to the tooth” – firm but with a slight bite, not mushy. It will finish cooking a bit more in our glorious sauce. Regularly taste a strand of pasta to check for desired doneness.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, this is a critical step: reserve 2 cups of the starchy pasta cooking water. I usually just scoop it out with a heat-proof measuring cup before pouring the rest of the water out. This starchy liquid is pure gold for our sauce, helping to emulsify it and create that velvety, cohesive texture that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta and piece of chicken.
Drain and Set Aside: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta under cold water, as this removes the beneficial starches that help the sauce adhere. Set the drained pasta aside.

Crafting the Rich Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

Now, for the heart of our dish: the incredibly rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This is what truly elevates our Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta from good to absolutely unforgettable. Take your time with this section, as patience pays off immensely here.

Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Using the same large skillet (no need to wash if you cooked chicken in it, the fond adds flavor!) or a new one if preferred, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and begins to foam slightly, add the 6-8 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the delicate flavor of our sauce. We want aromatic, not acrid.
Create the Roux: Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the melted butter and sautéed garlic. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which acts as the thickening agent for our sauce. Cook the flour just long enough to remove the raw flour taste; it should turn a very pale blonde color. The goal here is to achieve a smooth paste.
Whisk in Liquids Gradually: Slowly, gradually, and I mean gradually, whisk in the 2 cups of warmed whole milk (or half-and-half) into the roux. Start with a small amount, whisking vigorously until it’s fully incorporated and smooth before adding more. This prevents lumps. Once all the milk is added and the mixture is smooth, slowly pour in the 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, again whisking continuously.
Simmer and Thicken: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly. As it simmers, the sauce will begin to thicken. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Continue to whisk to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even thickening. You’ll notice it becoming visibly richer and coating the back of a spoon.
Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Now, here comes the magic! Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Whisk continuously until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated. Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty or clump together. The creamy, salty goodness of real Parmigiano-Reggiano is unparalleled here.
Season the Sauce: Stir in ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a hint of warmth), and ½ teaspoon of salt. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is quite salty, so taste before adding too much extra salt. This sauce needs to be perfectly seasoned to stand up to the pasta and chicken.
Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water: If your sauce seems too thick, which can often happen, begin to add your reserved pasta water, a quarter cup at a time, whisking well after each addition, until you reach your desired creamy consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce emulsify beautifully and adhere to every piece of our delicious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

Combining and Finishing Your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta:

We’re in the home stretch now! This final stage brings all our wonderfully prepared components together into one harmonious and incredibly satisfying dish.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained, cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Use tongs or two large forks to gently toss the pasta, ensuring every strand is thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce. Make sure the heat is still on low, just enough to keep things warm.
Add the Chicken: Fold in the sliced, rested chicken pieces that you prepared earlier. Toss gently again, making sure the chicken is well distributed throughout the pasta and coated in the sauce. Allow everything to heat through together for 1-2 minutes.
Final Check and Adjustments: Give the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta a final taste. Does it need a little more salt? A crack of fresh black pepper? Perhaps a tiny splash more reserved pasta water if it’s looking a bit too thick after absorbing some sauce? This is your last chance to make it perfect for your palate.
Garnish and Serve Immediately: Transfer your glorious Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta to serving bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, which adds a lovely pop of color and freshness, and an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, while the pasta is hot and the sauce is at its creamiest peak.

Enjoy every comforting, garlicky, cheesy bite of this incredible dish!

Conclusion:

So there you have it, my dear friends – the journey through creating this incredible recipe has come to an end, but your culinary adventure is just beginning! I truly believe this isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular that will leave everyone at your table smiling.

Why is this recipe an absolute must-try? For starters, it hits all the right notes: the tender, perfectly cooked chicken, the unmistakable aromatic kiss of garlic that infuses every bite, and that rich, salty embrace of Parmesan cheese, all mingling in a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every single strand of pasta. It’s hearty without being heavy, elegant enough for guests, yet wonderfully approachable for a cozy weeknight meal after a long day. I’ve personally seen faces light up, heard satisfied sighs, and watched plates get polished clean time and time again when I serve this. It’s truly a dish that speaks to the soul, promising comfort and incredible flavor with every single forkful. This particular Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering on taste, texture, and pure culinary joy. Trust me, once you experience the magic of this dish, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your cooking repertoire.

Elevate Your Plate: Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

While this dish is absolutely glorious on its own – truly a complete meal in itself – there are so many delightful ways to customize and enhance your experience, making it perfect for any occasion or dietary preference. For a wonderfully balanced meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette; the brightness of the greens really cuts through the richness of the pasta, creating a beautiful contrast. A basket of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is also an essential companion, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing, creamy sauce. If you’re looking to sneak in some extra nutrients, a simple side of steamed asparagus, blanched green beans, or roasted broccoli florets would be a delightful and healthy addition.

But don’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile and open to your creative touch, making it a fantastic base for experimentation. Want to add more vegetables? Sauté some fresh spinach until it just wilts, sliced cremini mushrooms, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil for extra flavor), or even blanched broccoli florets and stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and texture. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will awaken your taste buds with a subtle kick. You could also experiment with different cheeses – a touch of nutty Asiago, a sharper Pecorino Romano, or even a smoked Gouda could add an interesting and complex twist to the sauce. Fresh herbs like finely chopped basil, oregano, or chives, sprinkled in generously at the very end, can elevate the aroma and flavor profile beautifully. And if you’re feeling adventurous or catering to different preferences, try swapping the chicken for succulent sautéed shrimp, browned Italian sausage (mild or spicy), or even a plant-based chicken alternative for a delicious vegetarian-friendly option. Different pasta shapes, like rigatoni, penne, or even a shorter cut like orecchiette, would also work wonderfully, each offering a slightly different textural experience. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to make this recipe uniquely yours every time you prepare it!

Your Turn to Shine!

Now that you’re armed with all the tips, tricks, and inspiration, I implore you to give this amazing recipe a try in your own kitchen. Don’t be intimidated; the process is straightforward, incredibly rewarding, and the results are truly immense. Imagine the comforting aroma filling your kitchen, the satisfying sizzle of garlic as it caramelizes, and the pure joy of creating something truly delicious and impressive with your own hands. I promise, this particular Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is destined to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire, a dish you’ll turn to again and again for its reliability and deliciousness.

And once you’ve experienced the sheer deliciousness for yourself, I would absolutely love to hear all about it! Did you add your own unique twist? What clever serving suggestions did you come up with? What did your family and friends think of your culinary masterpiece? Please, don’t hesitate to share your culinary creations, your personal serving suggestions, or any brilliant variations you came up with. Snap a photo of your finished dish, tell me your story – your feedback and experiences truly inspire me and our entire community of food lovers to keep exploring and creating. Let’s spread the joy of good food and shared experiences together; I can’t wait to see what you create!