This easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for a fast, satisfying dinner. I love how it brings together tender chicken, savory garlic, and a rich parmesan sauce in one cozy bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and versatile this recipe is. It uses simple ingredients but delivers big flavor. Whether I’m feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s always a reliable favorite.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
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Chicken breast, diced or sliced
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Garlic, minced
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Heavy cream
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Grated parmesan cheese
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Butter or olive oil
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper
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Optional: parsley, red pepper flakes
Directions
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I cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.
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I season and cook the chicken in a skillet until golden and cooked through.
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I add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
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I pour in cream and bring it to a simmer, then stir in parmesan until melted.
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I toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat in the sauce.
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I garnish with parsley or extra cheese before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. I’ve also made it spicy with Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, I add it in after the sauce is ready to warm it through.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but I prefer to thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
Can I use another cheese?
Parmesan is classic, but romano or asiago work too.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely—it reheats well with a bit of added liquid.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, I use gluten-free pasta and thicken the sauce if needed.
Conclusion
Easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is rich, comforting, and simple to make. I love it for busy nights or when I need a hearty meal fast.
Print
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for a fast, satisfying dinner. It combines tender chicken, savory garlic, and a rich parmesan sauce in one cozy bowl.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced or sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan and cook until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve garnished with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Add-ins: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms work well.
- Spicy version: Add Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for heat.
- Cheese swaps: Try Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Meal prep tip: Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
