Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and creamy pasta dish made with seared, seasoned chicken breast, tender pasta, and a garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in one pan—perfect for a cozy dinner at home with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta

• Flavorful, juicy chicken breast with a perfect golden sear

• Versatile—use your favorite pasta or make it gluten-free

• One-pan sauce preparation for easy cleanup

• Can be made dairy-free and gluten-free with simple substitutions

• Ideal for meal prepping or weeknight dinners

• Easily adaptable with herbs and extra vegetables

• Crowd-pleasing comfort food

• Rich, garlicky, and satisfying

• Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for everyday

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast (or substitute with chicken thighs)

• Pasta (farfalle, penne, linguine, or fettuccine; gluten-free or traditional)

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic

• Heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)

• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• Shredded Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free Parmesan)

• All-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free 1:1 blend)

• Seasonings:

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Paprika

  • Thyme

  • Oregano

  • Italian seasoning

  • Dried shallots (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

• In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and dried shallots.

• Pound the chicken slightly to an even thickness.

• Rub both sides of the chicken with the seasoning blend.

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side.

• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook an additional 10–12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Remove the chicken and let it rest. Slice before serving.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium-low heat.

• Stir in the remaining seasonings and simmer for 1 minute.

• Add flour and stir constantly, scraping the pan to incorporate browned bits.

• Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth.

• Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

• Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

• Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.

• Top with sliced chicken and gently stir to combine.

• Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli.

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Herb Boost: Use fresh basil or parsley for garnish.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or fontina for added richness.

• Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest or a splash of juice to brighten the sauce.

• Low-Carb: Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

• Pescatarian Version: Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon.

• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based chicken, dairy-free cream, and vegan Parmesan.

• Mushroom Add-In: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for extra umami.

• Creamy Pesto: Add a spoonful of pesto to the cream sauce for a flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating (Stovetop): Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

• Reheating (Microwave): Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are just as delicious and often more tender. Adjust cooking time slightly.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and flour to keep the entire dish gluten-free.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture. Milk or half-and-half will make the sauce thinner.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and keeps in the fridge for several days.

Can I add more cheese?

Definitely. Add more Parmesan or even a blend of cheeses to enhance the flavor.

What type of pasta is best?

Short pasta like penne or farfalle works well, but long noodles like linguine and fettuccine are also great with creamy sauces.

Can I skip the flour?

Flour thickens the sauce. If needed, use a cornstarch slurry as a gluten-free alternative.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low while adding dairy, and stir continuously until fully combined.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and store the components separately. Combine and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that delivers on taste and simplicity. With tender chicken, rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this one-pan wonder is bound to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s satisfying, elegant, and endlessly versatile.

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Skillet + Boiled
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pan-seared chicken breast, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re gluten-free or not, this crowd-pleasing dish is easy to make and full of bold, savory flavor.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp thyme

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dry shallots (optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tsp minced garlic

• 2 tbsp flour (gluten-free 1:1 or all-purpose)

• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 3 cups heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan (or dairy-free Parmesan)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Reserved pasta water (1-2 tbsp as needed)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz gluten-free pasta (farfalle, penne, linguine, or fettuccine)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil pasta according to package directions for al dente. Reserve a few tablespoons of pasta water. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare Chicken Seasoning:
   In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, and dry shallots.

3. Cook the Chicken:
   Pound chicken to even thickness. Season on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 5 minutes per side. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for an additional 10–12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest.

4. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt butter. Stir in garlic and remaining seasoning mix. Simmer for 1 minute. Add flour and stir to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and thickened. Add pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

5. Combine:
   Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Slice the chicken and place it on top. Stir gently to combine and serve immediately.

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Notes

• Make it dairy-free using plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

• Great with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms added to the sauce.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of cream or broth.