Introduction
Garlic Chicken Parmesan pasta is a comforting, indulgent dish that marries the rich, cheesy flavors of chicken Parmesan with a creamy, garlicky sauce and tender pasta. Ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or indulgent meals, this one-pan meal is both delicious and straightforward to prepare. Its bold garlic and Parmesan notes make it a crowd-pleaser for all skill levels. This recipe delivers a creamy garlic chicken Parmesan pasta, adaptable for dietary needs, best served hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne, fusilli, or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for a slight kick)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water.
For Serving:
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Optional: Extra-grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Suggested Pairings: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus
- Suggested Pairings: White wine (like Chardonnay), sparkling water, or iced tea
Step-by-Step Process
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly or cube. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add 1 tbsp salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes for penne). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Melt butter over medium-low heat in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, optional red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through, ensuring all components are well-coated.
- Serve: Divide garlic chicken Parmesan pasta among 4 plates or bowls. Garnish with optional parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with suggested pairings like garlic bread or a Caesar salad, and a beverage like white wine or sparkling water.
Tips for Better Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for a smoother, creamier sauce; pre-shredded cheese may result in a grainy texture.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture when mixed with sauce; it will soften slightly in the sauce.
- Slice or cube chicken uniformly for even distribution; let it rest before cutting to retain juices.
- Sauté garlic gently to avoid burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Taste the sauce before adding salt, as Parmesan and mozzarella are naturally salty.
- Reserve extra pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it thickens too much or upon reheating.
- Prepare the sauce just before serving for optimal creaminess; it may separate if reheated too long.
- Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate tossing pasta and sauce without spilling.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan Pasta: Replace chicken with grilled mushrooms or zucchini, use vegan butter, cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
- Low-Fat Pasta: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter to 2 tbsp; the sauce will be less rich.
- Spicy Pasta: Increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable Pasta: Add 1 cup sautéed spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes when combining pasta and sauce.
- Shrimp Parmesan Pasta: Replace chicken with 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp; cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Herb-Infused Pasta: Add 1 tsp fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Baked Pasta: Transfer the combined pasta to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until bubbly.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess; microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freeze cooked pasta (without garnishes) for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, but note that the sauce texture may change.
- Serve hot for the best texture; cold pasta is less appealing due to the sauce thickening.
- Use leftovers as a filling for stuffed peppers or a base for a pasta bake.
- Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, lemon-infused water, or herbal tea for a balanced meal.
- Toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil before storing to prevent sticking.
Nutritional Information
Based on 4 servings (about 1 1/2 cups each, without optional garnishes):
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Total Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Vitamin A: 30% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 6% Daily Value
- Calcium: 35% Daily Value
- Iron: 15% Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins. This dish is high in fat and calories due to cream, cheese, and butter. For dietary needs, try gluten-free or vegan variations. It’s protein from chicken and calcium from cheese that add nutritional value.
Conclusion
This garlic chicken Parmesan pasta recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Its simple preparation and bold, garlicky flavors make it a favorite for home cooks. The tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and al dente pasta create a satisfying meal. This recipe is sure to become a staple, cherished for its comfort and indulgence.
Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe: Creamy and Flavorful
Creamy garlic chicken Parmesan pasta with a cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pasta:
- 12 oz penne
- 1 tbsp salt
- Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan
- ½ cup mozzarella
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp pepper
- salt
- Optional: Parsley extra Parmesan
- Suggested Pairings: Garlic bread salad, white wine
Instructions
- Season, cook chicken in skillet 6-8 min per side; slice, set aside.
- Boil pasta until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup water, drain.
- Melt butter, sauté garlic; add cream, simmer 3-4 min. Whisk in cheeses, seasonings.
- Toss pasta, chicken in sauce; adjust with pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with parsley, Parmesan; serve with garlic bread, wine.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheeses.
- Store in a fridge up to 3 days.
- Try a shrimp variation.
- Pair with sparkling water.
