Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Introduction

Few dishes can match the irresistible aroma and flavor of a creamy, garlicky pasta loaded with tender chicken and finished with plenty of Parmesan. This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a surefire crowd pleaser—a comfort food favorite that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough to impress at a dinner party. Say goodbye to bland, uninspired chicken and pasta: this dish brings flavor, ease, and satisfaction to your table.

Why You’ll Love Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This recipe shines with its balance of rich Parmesan, savory garlic, and juicy chicken all tossed in perfectly cooked pasta. The one-pan, no-fuss approach makes cleanup minimal, while the creamy, cheese-forward sauce ensures every bite delivers a burst of flavor. Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry family or need a reliable meal for leftovers, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

Perfecting Your Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The key to a stellar garlic Parmesan sauce is gently sautéing fresh garlic in butter, which unlocks its sweet, fragrant essence without burning. Parmesan cheese brings bold, nutty depth, while a touch of heavy cream or milk creates that signature velvety texture. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs to amplify the flavor even further.

Easy Steps for Tender Chicken and Silky Pasta

For juicy chicken, sauté bite-sized pieces till golden and just cooked through—it’s the secret to keeping the meat succulent. Tossing them in at the end ensures they soak up the garlicky sauce without becoming dry. Mixing the cooked pasta right into the pan helps the noodles absorb every drop of sauce—guaranteeing a restaurant-quality result at home.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Pair this creamy pasta with a fresh green salad and toasted garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or cracked black pepper for a picture-perfect finish. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this recipe a top contender for meal prepping and next-day lunches.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4, with each serving containing approximately 550–650 calories (depending on optional add-ins and pasta choice). It’s a satisfying meal that combines protein, carbs, and dairy for a balanced and filling dinner.

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Recap)

Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your answer for quick, crowd-pleasing dinners. Its satisfying texture and garlicky punch make it a staple for weeknights or special occasions.

💡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 streamlined meal planning.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, add to the pan, and sauté until golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan, swirling to melt. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Add 1 cup Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens, 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a perfect candidate for weekly meal prep and planning. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days to make it and instantly create smart shopping lists that combine ingredients from all your scheduled meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically tallies ingredient quantities across recipes (e.g., total chicken needed for the week)
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section
• Reduces duplicate buys and forgotten items
• Simplifies meal prep and keeps your week on track

Pro tip: When scheduling several recipes, see overlapping ingredients—so you’ll know exactly how much Parmesan, pasta, or chicken to buy, preventing waste and saving money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes