Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Name: Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 1/2-2 Pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1-2 teaspoon salt (divided); 1-2 teaspoon ground white pepper (divided); 5 garlic cloves (minced); 32 ounces chicken broth; 8-10 ounces pasta, egg noodles, or low-carb noodles; 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

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This Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with just 10 ingredients and prepared in 30 minutes. A garlicky, cream sauce coats al dente pasta and topped with chicken and cheese for an irresistible restaurant quality pasta at home.

The perfect dish to cozy up to at the end of the day, this Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a favorite in our family. It's simple to make, comes together in only one pan, and is the ultimate comfort food classic that's delicious every time it's served.

Juicy chicken is served over creamy pasta in a rich, garlic-parmesan sauce, and with just a few simple steps, it's ready to eat. Using a handful of ingredients that hit all the right flavor notes, this mouthwatering Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a foolproof recipe that's sure to impress all your loved ones!

If you love a quick and hearty pasta dish as much as we do, try some of our other favorite pasta recipes - this Sausage and Pepper Pasta, our easy One Pan Pasta, and decadent pasta-inspired Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Soup.

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy One Pan Dinner: With a handful of ingredients and everything cooked in one pan, dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. And with just one dish, clean-up couldn't be easier!
Make It Your Own: Chicken and pasta are so customizable - use what you have on hand, all pasta shapes work, and even add in your family's favorite veggies to bulk it up.
Simple Ingredients: Chicken, pasta, garlic and parmesan - easy to shop for and always a classic and satisfying combination of flavors.
Comfort Food Classic: Buttery, garlicky chicken served with saucy, cheesy pasta makes this a creamy comfort food creation you'll want to indulge in!

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Ingredients

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Butter: Provides the rich base flavor and golden brown sear for this comforting chicken dinner.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The main protein in this recipe - it's tender, versatile and quick-cooking.
Garlic Powder and White Pepper: Savory seasonings add big flavor to the meat and enhance the whole pasta dish as it comes together.
Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the protein an extra flavor kick.
Chicken Broth: Keeps the meat moist and tender while adding rich flavor.
Pasta/Noodles: Nothing's more comforting than a big bowl of pasta - use your favorite shape to soak up the sauciness of this dish. I prefer to use Al Dente Carba Nada noodles for a lower carbohydrate, higher protein pasta choice.
Cornstarch: A key thickening agent to give this pasta a perfectly rich and smooth texture.
Heavy Cream: Adds an extra note of creaminess to make a decadent sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, tangy, and full of flavor, this signature cheese brings this pasta home!

Ingredients to make garlic Parmesan pasta.

How To Make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Season chicken on both sides with garlic powder and 1 teaspoon each of salt and white pepper.

In a large skillet on medium-high heat, add butter. Once hot, sear the seasoned chicken 6-8 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Thighs will take a few extra minutes. Transfer to a plate and lower the heat to medium.

Add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds, then add broth and scrape up any solid bits from the pan. Bring to a boil.

Add pasta and cook until al dente.

Whisk together cornstarch and heavy cream. Add the mixture to the pasta.

Adding cream to pasta cooking in a skillet.

Stir in ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

Place the cooked chicken on a cutting board and slice into strips.

Slicing cooked chicken on a cutting board.

Serve pasta in individual bowls topped with chicken. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips

Keep Chicken Moist and Tender: Once you've seared and cooked the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the pan and let rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices in. Also avoid overcooking it in the pan, which could result in dry, rubbery chicken. Feel free to spoon extra sauce over top the sliced meat to keep it juicy when serving!
Season and Taste as You Go: It's important to season your food every step of the way - season the meat before searing, season the broth before adding the pasta and season the cream mixture before combining everything. Taste and adjust your seasoning before serving.
To Thicken Your Sauce: Cornstarch and heavy cream are the key thickening agents here for a creamy pasta - if you like a slightly thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer a few minutes longer until it's rich and velvety. If you need to thin our your sauce, add a splash of broth or water and stir to combine until it reaches your desired consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

Swap In Different Proteins. Almost any meat or protein works nicely here - sear up shrimp if you're a seafood lover, use cubed steak or pork loin if you have it, or even add in sliced sausage or chopped bacon for a tasty, smokey bite.
Add in Vegetables. Sauté sliced mushrooms, onions or bell peppers with the garlic, or wilt in baby spinach to the sauce before serving to add color and flavor.
Use Rotisserie or Leftover Chicken. Shredded store-bought chicken, or leftovers sliced up from last night's dinner works perfectly here too!
Change the Pasta Shape. Use your family's favorite cut of pasta, or whatever you've got on hand in the pantry. Simply cook to al denté.

What To Serve with Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This rich and creamy pasta goes well with so many side dishes, especially bright salads and colorful vegetables. Some of our favorites are Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Gremolata Green Beans, Italian Roasted Potatoes, and a fresh House Salad.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, cool and bring to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Be sure to enjoy within a few days after storing.

Freezing: It's best to enjoy this dish right after cooking for the best texture. We recommend not freezing this recipe as it will compromise the texture.

Reheating Leftovers: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth, heavy cream, or water, if needed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this pasta?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken from last night's dinner or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store works perfectly. Sauté in some butter with garlic and your seasonings of choice to bring it back to life, then continue following the recipe as written.

What can I add to make this pasta healthier?

Bump up the health factor by adding in your favorite vegetables to this decadent dish. Wilt in fresh spinach or add in sliced mushrooms, but anything you've got will do the trick.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning when cooking?

Garlic can burn easily, so watch your heat and keep an eye on your garlic as it cooks. Cook it over a low-medium heat and stir frequently. And most importantly, don't walk away from your pan!

Can I make this pasta ahead of time and reheat?

For the most creamy texture, we recommend enjoying this dish immediately after cooking, but you can certainly prepare it ahead of time if needed. Simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or heavy cream to loosen everything up if needed. Reheat chicken separately and serve with the pasta.

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