Creamy, savory, and irresistibly comforting, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that makes everyone around the table smile. Each bite is rich with flavor – tender grilled chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and herbs.

This dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. It’s warm, filling, and layered with bold yet balanced flavors that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this pasta promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy indulgence: The sauce is rich, velvety, and made from scratch with simple ingredients.
Perfectly seasoned chicken: Pan-seared for a golden crust and seasoned to elevate the flavor.
Family favorite: Kids and adults both love it, and it can easily be adjusted to taste.
Quick and satisfying: A 30-minute meal that tastes like something from a restaurant.

What Type of Pasta Works Best for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Short pastas like rotini, penne, or farfalle hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite full of flavor. That said, you’re free to use any pasta you love or have on hand. Even spaghetti works, though you may want to slightly thin the sauce for better coating.

Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish so unforgettable.

Chicken breasts – Lean and juicy, they provide the protein and a satisfying bite to the dish.
Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic adds bold, aromatic flavor that defines the sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a rich, nutty taste.
Heavy cream – The base of the creamy sauce that delivers luxurious texture.
Butter – Used for sautéing garlic and enriching the sauce.
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Pasta (rotini or penne) – Holds the creamy sauce in every twist and groove.
Cherry tomatoes (optional) – Add a pop of sweetness and color.
Salt & black pepper – For seasoning throughout the dish.
Fresh parsley – A bright, fresh garnish to balance the richness.

How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring frequently. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Slice the chicken and place it over the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a few halved cherry tomatoes if using.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired. Enjoy this creamy comfort food while it’s warm!

How to Serve and Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is best served hot, right after combining the pasta and sauce, with the juicy chicken slices placed on top. It serves 4 people generously, making it great for family dinners or date nights in.

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid freezing, as the cream-based sauce can separate in texture.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with tangy dressing balances out the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

A light, earthy vegetable that complements the creamy and savory flavors.

Steamed Broccoli

Adds a nutritious crunch and color contrast to the plate.

Sautéed Spinach with Lemon

The acidity of lemon brightens the dish and cuts through the creaminess.

Grilled Zucchini

Mild, smoky zucchini rounds out the meal beautifully.

A Glass of White Wine

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with creamy Parmesan pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken is a great time-saving option. Just slice and warm it through in the sauce before serving.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a thick plant-based alternative.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers work wonderfully in this recipe. Just sauté them before adding the cream for best flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all. It’s mild and kid-friendly, but you can spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or switch up the pasta type? Maybe you tried it with shrimp instead of chicken?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

You can find more recipes like this on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings together creamy comfort and bold flavor in every forkful. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or serving it at a cozy gathering, it hits all the right notes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a keeper you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t forget to save it for later – your future self will thank you!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Author: Sally Roberts
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and comforting dinner idea, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta features tender seared chicken tossed in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with pasta. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make — perfect for weeknight meals, date night, or when you just need some comfort food. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, creamy pasta dishes, or family-friendly meals, this one ticks all the boxes.

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.

2. Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring frequently.

4. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to thin if needed.

5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Slice the chicken and place over pasta.

6. Sprinkle with parsley and halved cherry tomatoes if using. Serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.

Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Don’t overcook the garlic — it should be fragrant, not browned.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 610
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, garlic chicken pasta, parmesan pasta, easy dinner