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This garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is a creamy, savory dish that’s sure to be a new family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The best part is that it’s ready in less than an hour!
Why Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking for a satisfying dinner recipe, you’ll absolutely love this garlic parmesan pasta. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have this filling meal on the table in no time.
- One-pot recipe. Make it all in one skillet for easy prep and cleanup, or better yet, in a slow cooker or crockpot! Also try my Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
- Crowd favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is guaranteed to impress.
- Satisfying dinner. This garlic chicken pasta recipe is packed with flavor and protein from the chicken, pasta, cheese, and fresh herbs.
Ingredient Notes
All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card towards the bottom of this post.
- Chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
- Pasta. I like to use bow tie pasta, but you can also use fusilli, rigatoni, or penne pasta.
- Chicken broth. Use any store-bought chicken broth or make your own chicken stock.
- Onion. Use yellow onions or sweet onions.
- Garlic. I prefer using fresh minced garlic to really get the best garlic flavor, but feel free to use garlic paste or garlic powder if that’s not available
- Cheese. I used cream cheese and parmesan cheese for a rich and creamy pasta.
- Milk. Half and half or any milk will work great. You can also use heavy cream for a thicker parmesan garlic sauce.
- Butter. Use salted or unsalted butter. If you’re using salted butter, taste before seasoning with more salt.
- Oil. Use any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- Lemon. Use fresh lemon zest and juice.
- Fresh herbs. Use fresh thyme, basil, or parsley for garnish.
- Seasonings. Use salt, black pepper, oregano or Italian seasoning blend, and chili powder for spice.
Recipe Variations
- Make it gluten-free. Make sure to use pasta that’s certified gluten-free.
- Make it dairy free. Use dairy free substitutions and plant based butter.
Steps To Make This Recipe
Step One. Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side, turning often. Be sure to cook the breasts until they are 165º internally.
Step Two. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest. In the same skillet, add the butter, chopped onion, and garlic. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
Step Three. Add the pasta to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour the chicken broth over everything and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step Four. Add the milk, half of the parmesan cheese, and cream cheese, mixing well. Take the pasta off the heat. Add the zest and juice. Slice the chicken breast and add it to the top of the pasta, garnishing with fresh herbs. Serve and enjoy!
What to Serve with Parmesan Garlic Pasta
This recipe is perfect for an easy pasta dinner any time of the week. I love serving it with a simple side of garlic bread, a good soup like my creamy butternut squash soup or creamy chicken veggie soup, or a mixed green salad.
Recipe Tips
- Evenly coat the chicken. Massage the seasoning blend into the chicken to fully coat it before cooking. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to absorb the flavors.
- Stir occasionally. While the pasta simmers, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
- Gradually add parmesan. Add the grated Parmesan cheese in portions to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping.
- Use room temperature cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding to help it melt more evenly into the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the pasta seems dry.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can freeze it. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Add it to the skillet after the pasta is cooked and heated through.
Other Delicious Pasta Recipes to try
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- heavy bottomed skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless/skinless
- ½ tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp oregano or Italian seasoning blend
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
- ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cup chicken stock or broth
- 2 cups bow tie pasta, about 8 oz
- ⅓ cup half and half, or any milk of choice
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ⅓ cup parmesan
- 2 tsp lemon zest, about 1 lemon
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp fresh herbs for garnish, basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half for a quicker, more even cook. Add them to a large bowl. Add in all seasonings and rub chicken with seasoning so it’s evenly coasted.
- Heat oil in a large heavy bottomed skillet over medium high heat. Add the breasts and cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side, turning often. Be sure to cook the breasts until they are 165º internally.
- Transfer chicken to a plate to rest. In the same skillet, add the butter, chopped onion and garlic. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the dry pasta to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour the chicken broth over everything and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the milk, half of the parmesan cheese and cream cheese, mix in well. Take the pasta off the heat. Add the zest and juice. Slice the chicken breast and add to the top of the pasta, garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Evenly coat the chicken. Massage the seasoning blend into the chicken to fully coat it before cooking. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to absorb the flavors.
-
- Stir occasionally. While the pasta simmers, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
-
- Gradually add parmesan. Add the grated Parmesan cheese in portions to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping.
-
- Use room temperature cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding to help it melt more evenly into the creamy sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the pasta seems dry.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Sailor Bailey does not disappoint! Another one of your recipes that our entire family loved… thank you! Absolutely delicious!
Hi! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this, thanks for the feedback.
This was absolutely delicious! My son said it was one of his favorite dishes that I’ve ever made! Thank you!
Awesome- so glad to hear this!
Can you substitute the cream cheese with sour cream or something else?
Hi! Yes, sour cream will work but don’t add it until the end so it doesn’t separate. You could also use heavy cream.
Delicous!!
What is the chicken seasoning ? I see the ingredients but it’s not clear what to put where so I’m a lil confused 🥴. Like the Italian seasoning and the fresh thyme .
Thanks
Hi There! all the seasonings are added in Step one 🙂
This was delicious!!! I used chicken thighs because they’re my favorite!!
So happy to hear this!