Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest. Tender pieces of seared chicken rest atop a bed of pasta coated in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe hits every note of indulgence and ease.

The best part? It comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The golden brown chicken adds a hearty protein punch, while the rich sauce clings to every pasta curl. Balanced with hints of Italian seasoning and a touch of cream, this dish will become an instant favorite for both weeknights and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Rich & creamy: The parmesan-garlic sauce is luxurious without being too heavy.
Hearty & satisfying: Juicy seared chicken adds the perfect protein.
Family-approved: Kid-friendly and adult-craved.
Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or swap the pasta shape to suit your mood.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, get these kitchen tools ready to make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta effortlessly:

Cast Iron or Large Skillet: Ensures even cooking and gives the chicken a beautiful sear.
Tongs or Spatula: Helpful for flipping chicken evenly without tearing.
Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring creamy sauces without scratching your cookware.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters for seasoning and creamy consistency.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: To cube your chicken and chop any optional add-ins like parsley or spinach.

Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Each ingredient plays a specific role in making this pasta unforgettable:

Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-rich, and perfect for searing until golden and juicy.
Pasta (like cavatappi or penne): These shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully in every bite.
Garlic (minced): The star of the show, adding deep savory notes.
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Melts into the sauce, creating that rich, nutty flavor.
Heavy Cream: Adds a smooth, indulgent base to the sauce.
Butter: Helps infuse flavor into the garlic and starts the creamy base.
Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a crisp sear without drying it out.
Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous balance.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances every flavor in the dish.
Chopped Parsley (optional): For garnish and a fresh pop of color.

How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Season cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream, stirring until it starts to thicken. Add in the grated parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Boil your chosen pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency, then drain the rest.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Skillet

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Return the seared chicken to the pan, stirring everything together until heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve hot right out of the skillet or portion into bowls.

Serving and Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, with the sauce warm and creamy and the chicken still tender. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic feel or plate it with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and parsley for added flair.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to restore the creaminess.

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a light cooking cream. Opt for grilled chicken breast and reduce the cheese slightly.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well. Just warm it in the skillet before combining with the sauce.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, cavatappi, or shells are ideal because they hold the sauce in their curves and ridges.

How do I avoid curdling the sauce?

Keep the heat on low when adding the cream and cheese. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Baby spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli make excellent additions without overpowering the flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all! But if you want a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce does the trick.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, here are more indulgent pasta recipes to add to your weeknight lineup:

Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for a crispy bite with savory sauce.
One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta if you’re craving sun-dried tomato richness.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for extra cheesy goodness.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for fun-sized flavor bombs.
Creamy One Pan Marry Me Tortellini Recipe when you want something romantic and simple.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick to the original or add your own spin with veggies or spice?

I love seeing your takes on these recipes. Got questions? Drop them below—let’s keep cooking great food together!