Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, parmesan, and juicy chicken tossed with tender pasta. This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta has been a family favorite in our home for years—especially in the summertime, when fresh herbs and light yet satisfying meals are a must.
This recipe is inspired by my Nonna’s creamy garlic sauce, which she used to whip up for Sunday dinners. I’ve added my own twist to make it faster, lighter, and perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed al fresco dinner. Best of all? It’s a one-pot wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just-30 minutes, with minimal cleanup.
- Flavor-Packed: Rich garlic flavor with creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Protein-Packed: Each serving boasts around 35g of protein.
- Customizable: Works great with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even bacon.
- Perfect for Summer: Light enough to enjoy on warm days, yet satisfying enough to be the star of your dinner table.
Kitchen Equipment Required:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Cutting board and knife
- Garlic mincer (optional, but helpful)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need for this garlicky dream bowl—and how to adapt it for dietary needs:
Core Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts, diced
- 10 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work best)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili flakes for a kick
Substitutions:
- Gluten-free: Swap pasta for a GF variety like chickpea or rice pasta.
- Dairy-free: Use cashew cream and vegan parmesan.
- High-protein: Opt for lentil pasta or stir in cottage cheese with parmesan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Cook the Pasta
Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Heat the water until it boils. Then, put the pasta in the boiling water and cook it until it is firm but not hard (this is called “al dente”). Before you drain the pasta, save 01 cup of the water. After that, drain the pasta and put it aside.
- Cook the Chicken
In a big frying pan, heat some olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, Season with salt and pepper, then cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, take it out of the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 01 minute, just until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce
Add the heavy cream to the garlic and stir gently. Let it simmer for 02–03 minutes, then gradually whisk in the parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything
Put the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan. Mix everything together well, and if the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the water you saved from cooking the pasta to make it easier to mix.
- Customize & Serve
Stir in your add-ins like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Serve hot, garnished with more parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sauce
- Brown your chicken for more flavor—don’t just steam it.
- Reserve that pasta water! It’s the key to a silky sauce.
- Avoid curdling: Keep your cream at a gentle simmer and stir constantly.
- Use freshly grated parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
Variations & Customizations
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also incredibly versatile! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Veggie Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Protein Swaps: Shrimp, cooked sausage (Italian sausage would be amazing!), or even crispy bacon bits are delicious additions or substitutions for chicken. For a plant-based protein boost, try chickpeas or white beans.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch more red pepper-flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cheesy Goodness Overload: Mix in some mozzarella, provolone, or fontina cheese along with the parmesan for an even cheesier sauce.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: A little lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon-juice at the end brightens up the dish and adds a lovely zing.
- One-Pot Wonder (Almost!): For a more streamlined approach, you can cook the pasta-directly in the sauce. You’ll need to adjust the liquid amounts (more broth) and cooking time. Start by sautéing the chicken and garlic as directed, then add the broth, cream, and uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a siimmer and cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Air Fryer Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, air fry the seasoned chicken pieces instead of searing them in a pan. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Add to the sauce at the end.
- Vegan Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Use vegan butter to sauté the garlic, full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream for the sauce, nutritional yeast and vegan parmesan shreds for the cheesy flavor, and plant-based protein alternatives as mentioned earlier.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, approximate)
(Please note: that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750
- Protein: 40-50 grams
- Fat: 35-45 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
Health Benefits:
This dish is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and satiety. Parmesan cheese provides calcium. You can also easily boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables as suggested in the variations section. Be sure to adjust portion sizes to meet your specific dietary needs. Opting for lighter cream options and whole wheat pasta can also make this dish healthier.
FAQs Section
Store left-overs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to losen the sauce as it can thicken upon refrigeration. You can also reheat in the microwave, but it may not be as creamy.
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes alter the texture of the sauce. However, you can freeze the sauce separately. Prepare the sauce as directed, let it cool completely, and then freeze in an airtight-container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently. Cook fresh-pasta when you are ready to serve.
Not typically, as it’s usually made with wheat-based pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten free by using gluten free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free (which they generally are in this recipe).
Absolutely! This recipe is essentially making the sauce from scratch. It’s a simple sauce made with cream, broth, garlic, and parmesan. If you’re asking about a completely from-scratch sauce, you could start by making a roux (butter and flour) as a base before adding the milk or cream, but this recipe simplifies it by using heavy cream directly, which is quicker and just as delicious.
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This dish is rich and creamy—so pair it with lighter, vibrant sides:
- Garlic bread or herb focaccia
- Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
Who Should Skip This Recipe
This recipe is generally crowd-pleasing, but here are a few considerations:
- Dairy Allergies/Intolerance: This recipe is heavily dairy-based due to the cream and parmesan cheese. While dairy-free substitutions are suggested, those with severe dairy allergies should be cautious and ensure all ingredients are truly dairy-free.
- Gluten Sensitivity (if using traditional pasta): Those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease need to use gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- High Calorie/High Fat Diets: While delicious and satisfying, this is a richer dish due to the cream and cheese. Individuals watching their calorie or fat intake should be mindful of portion-sizes or opt for lighter substitutions as suggested.
What Do You Think?
Okay, pasta fanatics, it’s your turn! What do you think of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe? Have you tried it? Do you have any favorite variations or tips to share? Let me know in the comments below! I love hearing from you and seeing how you make this recipe your own.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Grater
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts diced
- 10 oz pasta penne or fettuccine
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- Optional 1 cup baby spinach
- Optional ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Optional 1 tsp chili flakes
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan. Toss to coat in the sauce. Use pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Stir in optional add-ins like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parmesan and basil.
