This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything you love in a weeknight dinner: creamy, rich, cheesy, and ready in just 30 minutes. With tender bites of seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce, this dish is a comforting classic you’ll come back to again and again.
It’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more flavor as the pasta absorbs the garlicky goodness while cooking directly in the sauce. Perfect for busy nights, cozy weekends, or meal prep, this recipe balances indulgent flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients Overview
Every ingredient in this pasta dish plays a role in building layers of flavor and creamy texture.
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are diced into bite-sized pieces and pan-seared. Season simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a golden crust and juicy bite.
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Thighs = more flavor, juicier
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Breasts = leaner, quicker to cook
Garlic
This is a garlic-forward pasta, so fresh minced garlic is essential. Sautéed in olive oil or butter, it forms the aromatic base of the sauce.
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Use 4–6 cloves, depending on how garlicky you like it
Pasta
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or bowtie work well. You can also use spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer.
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Use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free pasta
Chicken Broth
Instead of plain water, simmering the pasta in chicken broth infuses it with flavor and richness.
Heavy Cream or Half & Half
A small amount of cream gives the sauce body and silkiness. For a lighter version, you can use whole milk or evaporated milk.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth, umami, and that signature cheesy finish. Avoid pre-shredded varieties for best melting and taste.
Butter & Olive Oil
Used to sauté the garlic and chicken, and enrich the sauce. Butter adds creaminess, while olive oil helps with browning.
Seasonings
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Salt and pepper
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Garlic powder (optional)
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Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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Italian seasoning or parsley for a fresh finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is done in about 30 minutes—all in one pot.
1. Season and Cook the Chicken
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Dice 1 lb chicken into bite-sized cubes.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
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In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high.
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Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
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In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
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Add 1 tbsp butter and 4–6 minced garlic cloves.
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Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
3. Add Broth, Pasta, and Cream
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Pour in 2½ cups chicken broth and ½ cup heavy cream (or milk).
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Stir in 8 oz uncooked pasta.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Stir in Parmesan and Chicken
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Turn off the heat.
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Stir in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix well.
5. Garnish and Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes).
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Sprinkle with parsley or more Parmesan before serving.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Tips for Best Results
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Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and tastes richer.
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Stir frequently while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
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Add a splash of broth or milk at the end if the sauce thickens too much.
Variations
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Add veggies: Try spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes stirred in with the pasta or at the end.
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Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce.
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Make it cheesy: Stir in mozzarella or cream cheese for extra indulgence.
Substitutions
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Dairy-free: Use unsweetened almond milk + vegan Parmesan.
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Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and ensure broth and cheese are certified GF.
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Low-fat: Use reduced-fat milk or evaporated milk instead of cream.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is the kind of dish that fits almost any situation:
Weeknight Dinners
Quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing—serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
Meal Prep
Stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Casual Entertaining
Serve in a large skillet or dish with extra Parmesan on the side—no one will know it took under 30 minutes to make.
Kid-Friendly Meal
Simple, cheesy, and not too spicy. Let kids customize with their favorite toppings.
Nutritional & Health Notes
This dish balances flavor with function:
High in Protein
Chicken and cheese offer a hearty dose of protein to keep you full.
Customizable Carbs
Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta to increase fiber and nutrients.
Rich but Adjustable
You can use cream, milk, or Greek yogurt to tailor the fat and calorie content.
Hidden Veggie Potential
Add spinach, zucchini, or peas for a nutrition boost without changing the flavor too much.
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works well. Just add it in step 4 to warm through.
2. Can I make this without cream?
Yes. Use whole milk, half & half, or even Greek yogurt stirred in at the end for creaminess.
3. What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini hold the sauce well, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or white beans for protein.
5. Does this recipe freeze well?
It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated for a few days. Creamy sauces can separate when frozen and reheated.
6. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.
7. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s mild, creamy, and cheesy—perfect for picky eaters. You can sneak in veggies like spinach or peas.