Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

When it comes to easy weeknight dinners that feel indulgent but take minimal effort, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an absolute winner. It has all the creamy, savory goodness you could want from comfort food, and it comes together in just one pan. With juicy bites of chicken, a luscious parmesan garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the kind of meal that pleases the whole family without breaking a sweat.

What makes this dish a go-to is how adaptable it is. You can swap in your favorite pasta shapes, add in veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or give it a spicy kick with red pepper flakes. But the base of garlic, butter, and cheese is non-negotiable—it’s the soul of the recipe. And best of all, it uses pantry and fridge staples you likely already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish combines the richness of creamy sauce with the brightness of garlic and the sharpness of parmesan cheese. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a group, it scales easily and makes the kitchen smell like heaven while it cooks.

It’s also a one-pot recipe, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. With every bite, you get tender chicken, garlic-kissed noodles, and that irresistible cheesy sauce. Comfort food doesn’t get much better.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best?

While this recipe will shine with just about any pasta, short-cut varieties like penne, rotini, or bowtie work especially well because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you want something a bit more elegant, fettuccine or linguine are great choices too. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it soaks up the sauce without turning mushy.

Ingredients for the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This recipe is all about simple, accessible ingredients that create big flavor. Each component brings something essential to the table. You’ll be surprised how these staples transform into a restaurant-quality dish.

• Chicken breast
• Pasta
• Butter
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Chicken broth
• Parsley (optional for garnish)

How To Make the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This hearty pasta dish is best served immediately, while the sauce is silky and hot. It feeds about four hungry people, making it ideal for families or small dinner parties. If you’re planning ahead, you can also portion it into meal prep containers for satisfying weekday lunches.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect companion to soak up that rich, creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

A refreshing Caesar salad adds some crunch and brightness to balance the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight char from roasting brings out the broccoli’s nutty flavor, which pairs wonderfully with creamy dishes.

Sautéed Green Beans

Quickly cooked green beans with a touch of garlic and lemon zest are simple and fresh.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a light and tangy contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Crusty Artisan Bread

Perfect for those who love to mop up every drop of sauce.

Lemon Asparagus

The citrusy notes of lemon asparagus make a lovely springtime pairing.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

These sweet, tangy carrots are a colorful and unexpected side option.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy chicken pasta, you’ll definitely want to try out some of these flavor-packed dishes:

• One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a spicy and smoky twist.
• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta if you’re craving bold island flavors.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine that balances spice and richness perfectly.
• Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a vegetarian comfort classic.
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti when you’re after something ultra cheesy and hearty.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sneak in some veggies? Add extra garlic? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting and indulgent pasta dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings big comfort with minimal fuss. With just one skillet and a few humble ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like something from your favorite bistro. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, it’s one of those recipes that always delivers.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?