Tasty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is my family's favorite when we need a warm, snug meal that feels like a fancy restaurant dish. It brings together juicy chicken chunks with a smooth, buttery garlic Parmesan sauce and filling pasta, making a comforting dinner nobody can turn down. For busy weeknights or when you need a surefire hit, this dish packs all that dreamy creaminess you're craving.

We stumbled onto this pasta recipe during a cold evening when I needed something fast and heartwarming. It's now part of our standard menu—we can't even keep leftovers around for long!

Gather Your Ingredients

• Pasta such as penne or fettuccine: Forms your dish foundation so grab one that really grabs onto sauce
• Olive oil: Go with extra virgin for better taste when cooking your chicken pieces
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and cut easily into bite-size chunks
• Fresh garlic cloves: Chop them fresh for way more flavor impact
• Heavy cream: Creates that silky smooth texture in your sauce
• Parmesan cheese: Try to grate it yourself for better melting and deeper flavor
• Italian seasoning: Brings in that herb kick that balances out the creamy parts
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper: Good seasoning makes every mouthful taste better
• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle it on at the end for a pop of color and fresh taste

How to Make It

Cook the Pasta:

Get a big pot of water boiling with salt, then drop in your pasta. Give it a stir now and then until it's tender but still firm. Drain it and mix with a bit of olive oil to stop it sticking together while you set it aside

Sauté the Chicken:

Dry your chicken pieces with paper towels and sprinkle them well with salt and pepper. Warm some olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. When the oil looks shimmery, add your chicken. Let it sit still for a few minutes to get some color, then stir it around until it's golden all over and fully cooked with no pink spots

Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Put the cooked chicken in a bowl and use that same pan turned down to medium-low heat. Throw in your chopped garlic and keep stirring for about a minute until you can smell it but before it browns. Pour in the heavy cream, add the Italian seasoning, then slowly mix in the Parmesan while gently whisking. Let it bubble gently for a few minutes to thicken up

Combine Everything:

Put the chicken and pasta back into the pan with your sauce. Use tongs to mix it all up really well so every bit of pasta and chicken gets coated in that yummy garlic sauce

Finish with Freshness:

Turn off the heat and scatter chopped parsley all over. Squeeze some lemon juice on top for a bit of zing just before you serve it. Keep extra Parmesan handy for anyone who wants more

Parmesan has always been the cheese I reach for first—I love that salty, nutty taste. As a teenager I'd sprinkle it on practically everything. I still smile thinking about when my youngest kid first asked for extra Parmesan at dinner—that's how traditions start in our house.

Flavor Boosters

Try to buy a chunk of Parmesan instead of the pre-grated stuff if you can. It melts way better and won't clump up in your sauce. The Italian seasoning mix and that splash of lemon at the end really wake up the flavors, while fresh garlic makes everybody come back for seconds.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta tastes amazing with a simple green salad or some oven-roasted veggies on the side. We never have any garlic bread left at our table. For a complete dinner, try serving with some fizzy lemonade or a crisp glass of white wine.

Creative Twists

Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken, or make it lighter with half and half instead of heavy cream. The recipe works great with gluten free pasta too. Try mixing in asparagus or peas during spring, throw in fresh basil in summer, or add thyme and rosemary when winter comes.

The ultimate comfort food should be simple, creamy and worth having seconds. This pasta checks all those boxes for a dinner your family will beg you to make time and again.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use medium heat only, pour the cream in bit by bit, and don't stop stirring to keep everything smooth.

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely, try penne, fettuccine, or whatever pasta you love since they all grab the sauce really well.

→ What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Try adding cooked mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra taste and goodness.

→ How can I add more flavor?

Grab some real Parmesan to grate yourself, add a little lemon juice at the end, or sprinkle on more Italian herbs before you dig in.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Sure thing, make it early and warm it up slowly later. You might need to add a bit of cream or milk if it gets too thick.