Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

Welcome to the only Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe you’ll ever need. If you’re searching for a dish that is deeply comforting, packed with flavor, and on the table in under 30 minutes, you’ve found it. This recipe transforms simple ingredients—tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and sharp Parmesan—into a creamy, restaurant-quality pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight meal that feels like a special occasion.

We’ve designed this guide to be foolproof, walking you through each step to ensure a perfectly creamy sauce and beautifully cooked chicken every single time. Get ready to make this incredible pasta a new staple in your dinner rotation.

Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a Game-Changer

There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one truly stands out. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Speed and Simplicity: From start to finish, this entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the quintessential weeknight hero.
• Rich, Creamy Sauce (Without Heavy Cream!): We achieve a luxurious, velvety sauce using a smart combination of chicken broth, milk, and Parmesan cheese, thickened with a simple flour roux. It’s rich and satisfying without being overly heavy.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Our method ensures the chicken is seasoned perfectly, seared to a beautiful golden brown, and remains juicy and tender within the sauce.
• Customizable Foundation: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. You can easily add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. For a similar creamy dish, check out this Creamy Chicken Alfredo.

The Key Ingredients for Success

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. You don’t need a long shopping list to create incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Pasta:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
• Pasta: Penne is our top choice for its ability to hold the creamy sauce, but fettuccine, rotini, or bow ties also work beautifully.
• Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for searing the chicken and building the sauce base. Butter adds richness while oil prevents burning.

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for the best flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is our secret weapon for a thick and stable sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory, deep flavor base.
• Milk or Half-and-Half: Creates the creamy texture. Use whole milk for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and delivers a much richer, nuttier flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
• Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and dried oregano are all you need to perfectly season the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor at the end.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Follow these simple steps for a flawless result. We’ll cook the components and then bring them all together in one pan for a spectacular finish.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. This is liquid gold and can be used later to adjust the consistency of your sauce if needed.

Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a paste (a roux), and cook for another minute. This step is crucial for a thick sauce.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once smooth, whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken. If you love garlic-butter sauces, you should also try our Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the glorious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Dish

Want to elevate your pasta night? Keep these expert tips in mind.

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. Grating a block of Parmesan right before using it makes a world of difference in the sauce’s texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente (still has a slight bite). It will continue to cook a little more when you combine it with the hot sauce.
• Scrape the Brown Bits: When you add the chicken broth, use your whisk to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. This is where a massive amount of flavor is hiding!
• Control the Heat: When adding the cheese, make sure the heat is on low. If the sauce is too hot, the cheese can separate and become grainy.

Variations and Add-Ins

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add Veggies: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end until wilted, or add steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Make it Spicy: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
• Lemon Zest: A bit of fresh lemon zest stirred in at the end can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
• Try a Different Protein: This sauce is also fantastic with shrimp or Italian sausage. For a similar flavor profile, give our Marry Me Chicken Pasta a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve With Your Pasta

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, some crusty garlic bread for dipping into the extra sauce, or a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli would all be excellent choices.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency as it will thicken in the fridge.

We Want to Hear From You!

We are confident this will become one of your favorite pasta recipes. If you make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, please leave a comment below to let us know how you liked it! We love hearing from you. For more delicious dinner ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

An incredibly creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes. This recipe features tender chicken and a rich, velvety sauce made without heavy cream, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz Penne Pasta or other short pasta
• 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Whole Milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
• 1 Large Pot For boiling pasta.
• 1 Whisk

Instructions

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth, then whisk in the milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and stir to coat everything in the sauce. If needed, thin the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Tip 1: For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can make the sauce grainy.
Tip 2: Don't be afraid to use the reserved pasta water. Its starchiness helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
Tip 3: For extra richness, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk.