Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crispy, golden chicken mingles with parmesan in a mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken and pasta recipe that promises comfort on a plate.

Aromatic herbs whisper hints of home-cooked magic across your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delectable with this simple yet sophisticated combination.

Parmesan cheese cascades over tender chicken pieces, creating irresistible layers of savory goodness.

Pasta strands cradle each delightful morsel, ensuring maximum flavor in every single bite.

Creamy textures and bold garlic notes dance together, promising a meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

Prepare to fall in love with this quick and satisfying dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Pasta and Chicken FAQs

• How can I ensure my chicken is fully cooked without drying it out?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from heat as soon as it reaches this temperature and let it rest for a few minutes to retain moisture.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent choices. These pasta shapes hold the creamy sauce well and provide a great texture with the chicken.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the components separately and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of parmesan, and opt for grilled chicken instead of pan-fried to cut down on calories while maintaining great flavor.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Hits the Mark

• Guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults with its classic, comforting blend of tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that everyone loves.
• Requires simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making this recipe super budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Streamlines the cooking process with minimal cleanup, allowing you to spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a fantastic family meal together.

The Ingredients That Build Bold Flavor

• Pasta: Basic foundation of the dish, provides hearty and filling texture. Choose a pasta shape that catches sauce well like penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Works great with many sauce types.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substantial nutrition and flavor to the meal. Boneless and skinless preferred for easy preparation. Fresh chicken ensures best taste and texture.

• Garlic, Parmesan Cheese: Classic flavor combination that adds depth and richness. Fresh garlic provides more intense taste compared to pre-minced. Parmesan should be freshly grated for best quality. Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended for authentic Italian flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper provides more robust taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps create smooth sauce and adds subtle richness. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best flavor.
• Heavy Cream, Butter: Creates creamy and luxurious sauce texture. Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Dried Herbs (Optional): Oregano or basil can enhance overall dish complexity. Fresh herbs work equally well.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb notes. Chopped just before serving maintains maximum flavor.

How to Pull It Together in One Pot

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until tender with a slight bite, following package directions. Drain pasta in a colander, keeping about 1/2 cup of starchy cooking water for later use. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Season Chicken Generously

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the seasoning blend.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place seasoned chicken into the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and chicken is completely cooked through. Remove chicken and let rest on a cutting board.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Creamy Sauce

• Minced fresh garlic
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Reserved pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Whisk ingredients together, creating a velvety smooth sauce that clings to pasta perfectly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Slice cooked chicken into strips. Toss pasta in the creamy sauce. Arrange chicken on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Smart Tips to Balance the Salt and Cheese

• Pasta Water Magic: Save some starchy cooking water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta strand.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly onto the dish for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with garlic, salt, and pepper- they're key to bringing out the rich, bold flavors in this comforting dish.
• One-Pan Simplicity: Consider using an oven-safe skillet to transition from stovetop to oven, reducing cleanup and creating a more streamlined cooking process.

Reheating Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

• Store leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep components separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Warm individual portions on medium power, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little olive oil or butter to help revive the pasta's silky texture. Stir carefully to prevent sticking or burning.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley just before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a new layer of deliciousness to your reheated meal.

What Matches This Pasta Best

• The buttery, creamy notes of a cool Chardonnay perfectly complement the rich garlic parmesan sauce, cutting through the dish's richness while enhancing its savory flavors.
• A light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the creamy chicken pasta, balancing the dish's heavy textures with bright, refreshing notes.
• Tender roasted asparagus spears seasoned with olive oil and sea salt offer a green vegetable side that adds nutritional value and a subtle earthy crunch to the meal.
• Warm, crispy garlic bread allows diners to soak up any remaining sauce, amplifying the garlic flavor profile and providing an extra textural element to the dining experience.

Flavor Changes You’ll Want to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for coating the chicken.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a crispy chicken coating.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use dairy-free milk alternative when preparing the chicken coating.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Coat in seasoned breadcrumbs and bake until crispy.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken and pasta brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with creamy, herb-infused goodness. Savory flavors meld perfectly, offering a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta:

• 300 g (10 ounces) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• Salt (for pasta water)

Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a vigorous boil.
2. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender with a slight bite, following package guidance.
3. Carefully drain the pasta, preserving a half cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
4. Set the cooked pasta aside in a warm location, ready for the subsequent preparation steps.

Notes

• Select pasta with ridges or curves to help sauce cling better, enhancing overall flavor absorption.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and more even browning during cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Adjust pasta water quantity based on desired sauce consistency, adding gradually to achieve perfect creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg