Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your new weeknight dinner hero. It brings together juicy seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a silky garlic Parmesan sauce that coats every bite just right. If comfort food had a signature scent, it would smell like this dish bubbling on the stove.

The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that doesn’t demand a million ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy evenings, cozy weekends, or when you just want something that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you serve it with a side of roasted veggies or a slice of garlic bread, this pasta always hits the spot.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work beautifully for this recipe. Their ridges help capture that creamy garlic sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying. But honestly, any pasta you have on hand will do. If you want to keep it traditional, go with penne—it holds up well and delivers that classic texture we love in creamy chicken pasta dishes.

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Ingredients for the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Chicken breast: The star protein of the dish. Sliced thin and seared until golden for juicy flavor-packed bites.

Pasta (penne): Holds the creamy sauce perfectly. Feel free to substitute with your favorite type or whatever’s in the pantry.

Heavy cream: This is the base for the sauce. It adds that lush, velvety texture that makes the pasta irresistible.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce—don’t skip this one!

Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and a nutty depth to the cream sauce. Freshly grated works best here.

Butter: For cooking the garlic and building the flavor base.

Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and adds richness.

Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning every layer.

Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a fresh pop of color at the end.

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How To Make the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing two large chicken breasts into strips. Season them well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken strips on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Melt butter, then add the minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute—be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Let it gently simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a silky, luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. Then return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces throughout the pasta. Let everything heat through for another minute.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top, if you love a cheesy finish.

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How to Serve and Store This Pasta Perfectly

This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a satisfying main dish on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, pair it with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread to round out the meal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a little heat if you’re into spice.

For storing leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, then warm on the stovetop or microwave. It’s just as creamy the next day!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor and remain tender. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything for best texture.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use less butter. You can also skip the extra Parmesan garnish if you’re watching your cheese intake.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Grated Romano or Asiago can work in a pinch. Just note that each cheese will slightly change the flavor profile.

How do I avoid the sauce clumping when reheated?

Add a bit of milk, cream, or pasta water when reheating and stir continuously to bring the sauce back to life.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze it, do so without the pasta. Freeze the chicken and sauce, then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love the creamy richness of this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, here are a few other comfort-packed chicken pasta recipes you’ll want to try next:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli

Each one brings its own flavorful twist, whether it’s tangy, cheesy, or herby—so you’ll never run out of inspiration for your next dinner.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it any time.

And if you make it, tag me or drop a comment below—did you use thighs instead of breast? Did you go extra garlicky? I’d love to know how you made it your own!

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