Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of comforting dish that makes you want seconds. With tender bites of chicken nestled in velvety Parmesan sauce and twirls of pasta that cling to every bit of garlic richness, it turns a regular weeknight dinner into something special.

The best part? It tastes like something you’d order from your favorite Italian restaurant, but it’s so easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta promises big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This pasta is the definition of creamy comfort. The garlic and Parmesan pair perfectly with the tender, juicy chicken and soft pasta. The recipe is straightforward, pantry-friendly, and adaptable. You can make it with leftover rotisserie chicken or fresh fillets, and it works just as well with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Plus, the sauce is rich without being too heavy, making it ideal for both cozy nights in and casual entertaining.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

That’s entirely up to you. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is versatile when it comes to pasta shapes. Fettuccine and linguine are great for soaking up the creamy sauce, but short pasta like penne or rotini holds onto the chicken and sauce in every bite. If you’re looking to keep it classic and silky, opt for spaghetti. Want something heartier? Try rigatoni. It’s hard to go wrong here—just cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy once mixed with the sauce.

Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To make a pasta dish this delicious, you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients. Each item brings its own layer of flavor and texture that makes this pasta irresistibly creamy and savory.

Chicken breast: Lean and juicy, chicken breast is the perfect base protein that soaks up the garlic Parmesan sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, olive oil adds richness and helps develop a golden crust.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its signature flavor, infusing the entire dish with savory warmth.
Heavy cream: For that ultra-creamy texture, heavy cream is essential. It binds everything together into a luscious sauce.
Parmesan cheese: The star of the show. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, creating a nutty, salty, creamy base.
Pasta: Whether you choose fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti, pasta is the heart of the dish that carries all the flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
Parsley: A finishing touch that adds color and freshness.

How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes before stirring in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the chicken back into the pan and mix everything together. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This recipe feeds about four people generously, making it great for family dinners or meal prepping. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top adds a nice kick.

To store, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Caesar Salad

Its crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli adds some healthy greens and a slightly charred flavor that complements the garlic in the pasta.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze offer a light, bright side to balance the dish.

Sautéed Green Beans

Simply cooked green beans with garlic and lemon make a crisp, snappy addition to the meal.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized edges and tangy-sweet flavor pair well with creamy pasta dishes.

White Wine

A chilled glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

Antipasto Platter

If you’re serving guests, a small antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and cheese rounds out the meal nicely.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If creamy comfort food is your thing, you’ll want to explore more ways to elevate pasta night. Here are some other hearty and flavorful favorites to try:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine is a zesty, buttery twist that’s bright and satisfying.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli brings a veggie boost while keeping that same creamy vibe.
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta if you’re feeling adventurous and want a little island heat.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a Tex-Mex spin on a pasta favorite.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a decadent garlic-lover’s dream.

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 use fettuccine or try something new? Did you spice it up with red pepper flakes or go extra on the garlic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for delicious dinner ideas!

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the creamy, flavorful, soul-warming meal you didn’t know you needed this week. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can turn ordinary chicken and pasta into a dreamy dish that hits every comfort food craving. Easy enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough to serve guests, it’s a keeper in every kitchen.