There are certain meals that instantly make a kitchen feel warm and inviting — the kind that fill the air with comforting aromas and bring everyone closer to the table. Garlic and Parmesan have always been one of those timeless flavor combinations for me. Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, they turn even the simplest ingredients into something special.
I remember making variations of garlic pasta when I first started cooking on my own. It was simple, forgiving, and always satisfying. Over time, I added tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a little extra love — and this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta was born. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still familiar, perfect for both busy weeknights and slow, cozy dinners.
At Maison Recipes, I believe the best recipes are the ones that are easy to make, deeply comforting, and guaranteed to please. This dish checks all those boxes. Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s a pasta recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Why Make This Recipe
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a favorite for so many reasons:
- Rich, creamy comfort food
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Perfect for leftovers
- Restaurant-style flavor at home
If you love creamy pasta dishes that feel cozy without being complicated, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- Salted water for boiling
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add milk or cream and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or warm rolls
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Steamed green beans
- Simple tomato-cucumber salad
It’s rich enough to stand alone, but lighter sides balance it perfectly.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth.
- Freeze: Not recommended — creamy sauces may separate.
Tips to Make the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Don’t overcook garlic — it should be fragrant, not browned.
- Add pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Lower heat after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- Let it rest 5 minutes — the sauce thickens beautifully.
Variations
- Creamier version: Add 2 oz cream cheese to the sauce.
- Veggie-packed: Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas.
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Shrimp swap: Replace chicken with shrimp.
- Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add shredded cooked chicken during the final step.
2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely — any pasta that holds sauce well will work.
3. Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes — add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
4. Is this dish very garlicky?
It’s flavorful but balanced. You can reduce garlic if preferred.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything comfort food should be — creamy, savory, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something special, filling your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles.
I hope this dish becomes one of your go-to favorites, perfect for busy evenings or cozy family dinners. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite — and happy cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite‑size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Garnish
- fresh parsley
- extra Parmesan
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add milk or cream and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.