Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta – Easy Creamy Dinner Recipe

So you want a dinner that tastes fancy but acts low-maintenance? Same. Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta is one of those meals that feels special but takes very little effort. It’s creamy. It’s garlicky. And it makes your kitchen smell amazing. I make this dish when I want comfort food but don’t want a sink full of dishes. The chicken stays juicy.

The pasta turns rich and cheesy. And the sauce? Let’s just say you’ll want bread to mop it up. This recipe uses simple ingredients and easy steps. No stress. No guessing. Just good food. If you need a quick dinner that everyone loves, this one delivers every single time.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

Let’s talk about why this recipe wins.

• It cooks fast. Weeknight approved.

• The flavors hit hard. Garlic and Parmesan never fail.

• It uses one pan. Less mess, more happiness.

• It tastes like comfort. Warm, creamy, and filling.

IMO, this recipe saves busy days. Even picky eaters stay quiet while eating it. That’s a win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here. Just good basics.

• Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless. Easy to cook.

• Pasta – Penne or fettuccine work best.

• Garlic – Fresh is best. Don’t be shy.

• Butter – Adds rich flavor.

• Olive oil – Helps cook the chicken evenly.

• Heavy cream – Makes the sauce smooth.

• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated tastes better.

• Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning matters.

• Italian seasoning – Optional, but helpful.

That’s it. Simple list. Big flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender. Drain and set aside. Save a little pasta water just in case.

2. Season the chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Keep it simple. Don’t overthink it.

3. Cook the chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan. Add chicken and cook until golden on both sides. Remove chicken and set aside.

4. Add the garlic

Lower the heat. Add garlic to the same pan. Stir for about 30 seconds. Don’t burn it.

5. Make the sauce

Pour in heavy cream. Stir gently. Add Parmesan cheese and let it melt. The sauce should look smooth.

6. Combine everything

Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir well. Slice chicken and place it back in the pan.

7. Finish and serve

Let everything heat together for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken. Dry chicken ruins the vibe.

• Burning the garlic. Bitter garlic is not your friend.

• Using cold cream. Room temp blends better.

• Skipping seasoning. Bland pasta feels disappointing.

Thinking garlic can cook forever? Rookie mistake.

Alternatives & Substitutions

You can change things easily.

• Use chicken thighs for more flavor.

• Swap cream with half-and-half for lighter sauce.

• Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

• Add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture.

I love adding spinach at the end. It wilts fast and tastes great.

Helpful Tips

• Grate Parmesan fresh. It melts better.

• Cook pasta al dente. Soft pasta gets mushy.

• Taste as you go. Adjust salt early.

Small moves make big flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Let chicken rest before slicing. It stays juicy.

• Use low heat for the sauce. Cream hates high heat.

• Add pasta water if needed. It fixes thick sauce fast.

FYI, creamy sauces love patience.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with:

• Garlic bread

• Side salad

• Roasted vegetables

Ever tried this with broccoli on the side? So good.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days.

• Reheat on low heat. Add a splash of milk.

• Avoid microwaving too long. Creamy sauces break.

Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Print Recipe

Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta

This recipe is creamy, simple, and full of flavor. It uses easy steps and basic ingredients. Perfect for busy nights.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Resting Time5 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Keyword: creamy chicken pasta, Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, garlic chicken pasta, slow cooker chicken pasta, creamy crockpot pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe, Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta

Servings: 4

Calories: 520kcal

Author: Arif Ahmed

Equipment

• Large pan
• Pot for pasta
• cutting board
• Knife
• Spoon

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 8 oz pasta
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

• Cook pasta and set aside.
• Season and cook chicken.
• Remove chicken from pan.
• Add garlic and cream.
• Stir in Parmesan.
• Add pasta and chicken.
• Heat and serve.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for best flavor.

Do not overcook chicken.

Add pasta water if sauce thickens.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 520

Carbohydrates: 45g

Protein: 35g

Fat: 25g

Sodium: 620mg

FAQ – Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Yes, but fresh tastes better. Why settle?

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Store sauce and pasta together.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can add chili flakes.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner.

What pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work great.

Can I freeze it?

Cream sauces don’t freeze well. Fresh is best.

Final Thoughts on Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta

Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta is easy, cozy, and full of flavor. It works for busy nights and lazy weekends. The steps stay simple. The taste stays bold. This recipe proves that good food doesn’t need stress. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular. Now go cook dinner and impress someone. Or just impress yourself. That counts too.