Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

When you need a dinner that packs big flavor with minimal effort, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is the answer. It seamlessly blends tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce—all in one pan. It’s the type of dish that pleases picky eaters and satisfies a crowd, making it ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even casual entertaining.

Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Is a Must-Make

The magic of this recipe is in its creamy, cheesy sauce infused with fresh garlic. Every bite is infused with savory flavor, and the combination of juicy chicken pieces with al dente pasta feels both comforting and a bit luxurious. Plus, it comes together quickly and uses just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients—making it the perfect meal for when you want something delicious without spending all evening in the kitchen.

How to Achieve the Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Start by sautéing garlic in butter for a fragrant foundation, then add cream or milk for a luscious base. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, creating a wonderfully creamy texture that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken. For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan. If you prefer extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or add more cheese to taste.

The Secret to Tender Chicken and Perfect Pasta

Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking. Season well for maximum flavor. Cook the pasta just to al dente—the noodles will continue to absorb flavors from the sauce once combined. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water; a splash can bring the sauce together and give it the perfect silky consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan. Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce. For a touch of color and added nutrition, toss in a handful of baby spinach or steamed broccoli before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each serving provides roughly 500 to 600 calories, depending on your choice of cream and cheese. It’s a satisfying, protein-rich supper—perfect as a filling main dish.

Recap: The Best Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy, savory, and deeply aromatic, this dish is weeknight dinner perfection. With its balanced flavors and irresistible sauciness, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal planning rotation.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the pan. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Lower the heat and add heavy cream. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
5. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and thick. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until reaching your desired consistency.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe works brilliantly for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe on CookifyAI to plan your week, consolidate shopping lists, and organize ingredients across all your scheduled meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total quantities of each ingredient you need throughout the week
• Optimizes your grocery list by grouping items by store section
• Avoids accidental duplicate items and prevents forgotten essentials
• Keeps your weekly meal prep streamlined and stress-free

Pro tip: Schedule multiple recipes so CookifyAI can spot overlapping ingredients, saving you money and reducing food waste—especially helpful with staple items like chicken, pasta, and Parmesan!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes