When you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is your answer. This easy skillet meal combines juicy chicken, tender noodles, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce that’s rich enough to feel indulgent but simple enough for a weeknight.
The first time I made this dish, it was one of those “throw-it-together” nights. I had chicken breasts, a box of pasta, and a bit of cream and Parmesan left in the fridge. I browned the chicken, added garlic and cream, and tossed in the pasta — and suddenly dinner turned into something my family couldn’t stop talking about. Now it sits right alongside my Cajun Seafood Alfredo and Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo as a weeknight staple that feels like a restaurant meal.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and slice.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to make a light roux.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats everything perfectly. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
This recipe checks all the boxes — it’s creamy, savory, and ready in about 30 minutes. The sauce is loaded with garlic and Parmesan flavor, and the tender pasta soaks it up beautifully. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it one of those dishes that everyone asks for seconds of.
If you love creamy comfort dishes like my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole or Loaded Cornbread Casserole, this will quickly become your next family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced thin or pounded flat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
If you like creamy skillet recipes, you’ll also enjoy my Crack Chicken & Rice Soup — another one-pan wonder that’s just as comforting.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and slice.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to make a light roux.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats everything perfectly. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
If you love quick comfort meals, this one’s every bit as easy as my Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread — and just as satisfying.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
- Use fresh garlic: It makes the flavor shine.
- Don’t overheat the cream: Keep it low to prevent curdling.
- Save pasta water: It’s the secret to that silky sauce.
- Use good Parmesan: Freshly grated melts smoother and tastes better.
Little tricks like these are the same that make my Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup so consistently rich and smooth.
What to Serve with It
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread
- A light green salad
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freeze: Best not frozen — the cream sauce can separate when thawed.
Like my Old-Fashioned Southern Meatloaf, this dish tastes even better the next day when the flavors have deepened.
Flavor Variations
- Add Spinach: Stir in a handful of spinach at the end for color and freshness.
- Bacon Lovers: Add crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
- Cajun Twist: Use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian herbs for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Garlic: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
If you love easy pasta variations like this, my Cajun Potato Soup will be another cozy favorite in your rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it during the final toss to warm through.
2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but add an extra tablespoon of flour for thickness.
3. What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the sauce perfectly.
4. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — cook the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
The Final Bite
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is the kind of meal that makes everyone happy — creamy, garlicky, and full of cozy flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Sunday family meal, it’s a dish that always hits the spot.
Serve it with a side of Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and you’ve got a meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.