This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is what comfort food dreams are made of. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, this dish comes together beautifully with just the right balance of garlic and herbs. It clings to your fork with its velvety sauce and gives each bite that savory, hearty goodness we all crave on weeknights or chilly evenings.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family or hosting dinner with friends, this pasta dish promises to satisfy. It’s easy to make, full of rich flavors, and doesn’t require a fancy ingredient list to impress. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any) are just as delightful reheated for lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

The best part about this recipe is how it combines pantry staples into a restaurant-style dish. Garlic and parmesan make a dynamic flavor duo, while the creamy sauce is indulgent without being too heavy. The chicken adds protein that makes this feel like a full meal, not just a side dish. And the aroma while it simmers? Absolutely irresistible.

It’s also extremely customizable. You can swap out pasta shapes, use rotisserie chicken if you’re in a rush, or even toss in some spinach or mushrooms. It’s one of those recipes that grows with your pantry and preferences.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

While the recipe works with just about any type of pasta, short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal. These kinds hold onto the sauce better, letting you enjoy all the creamy flavor in each bite. But if all you have is spaghetti or fettuccine, they’ll still work just fine. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are totally acceptable too—this dish is all about adapting to what you have on hand.

Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

The ingredients in this recipe are simple but chosen with care to maximize flavor and creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need to make it come alive in your kitchen:

Chicken breast
Boneless and skinless, this is the protein base that adds heartiness to the dish. You can also use thighs for more juiciness.

Garlic cloves
Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor that defines the dish.

Parmesan cheese
Use freshly grated if possible. It melts better and gives the sauce that rich, savory backbone.

Heavy cream
This creates the silky, creamy base of the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.

Butter
Used for sautéing and building flavor at the start.

Olive oil
Combines with butter for cooking the chicken while keeping it moist and golden.

Pasta
Penne or rotini work best to hold onto the sauce. Cook until just al dente.

Chicken broth
Adds depth to the sauce and helps thin it to the perfect consistency.

Salt & pepper
Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste.

Parsley (optional)
For a touch of freshness and color at the end.

How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 4–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm through. Finish with chopped parsley if using.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This creamy pasta is best served right off the stove when the sauce is at its silkiest. It serves 4 people generously and can easily be doubled for a larger crowd or to enjoy throughout the week.

To store, let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and revive its creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long, as that can dry out the chicken.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness and crunch from roasted broccoli balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar with a zippy dressing is an ideal fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze makes a great appetizer or side.

Steamed Green Beans

Tossed in butter and lemon, they’re light, simple, and flavorful.

Grilled Asparagus

Charred asparagus adds a smokey depth and pairs great with chicken and cheese.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

This light salad brings brightness and crunch, making the meal feel complete.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this creamy pasta, check out some of these other hearty, comforting meals:

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Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! Did you add veggies, spice it up with chili flakes, or go classic? I’d love to hear how you make it your own.

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