Zesty Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers pure comfort on a plate.

The aroma of sizzling garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, promising a delightful meal ahead.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among al dente pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Each forkful combines crispy chicken with creamy pasta in a way that satisfies deep hunger.

Home cooks can whip up this restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Prepare to savor a meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 800 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Ingredients to Gather

• Penne Pasta, Linguine: Choose sturdy pasta shapes that hold sauce well, ensuring each bite is packed with delicious flavor.

• Garlic, Parmesan Cheese: Fresh garlic provides robust aroma while aged Parmesan delivers a nutty, salty punch to elevate the entire dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: High-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper intensify the overall seasoning and depth of taste.

• Chicken Breast: Select boneless, skinless chicken for lean protein that absorbs marinades and seasonings beautifully.
• Heavy Cream, Butter: Create a luxurious, silky sauce that coats pasta and chicken with rich, comforting texture.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavor and smooth cooking foundation.

Tools for Preparing Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Smoothly

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough room for water and noodles to move freely.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cup: Helps reserve the exact amount of pasta water needed for the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring pasta and transferring it between pot and colander.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
• Skillet or Large Frying Pan: Critical for cooking chicken and creating the delicious sauce.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta in One Pan

• Fire Up the Pasta Water

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and crank up the heat until the water’s bubbling wildly. Drop in your pasta and dance around while it cooks until it’s perfectly tender.

• Transform Chicken into Flavor Bombs

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dust them with a magical blend of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat up a skillet with olive oil until it’s sizzling hot.

• Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Toss those seasoned chicken pieces into the scorching pan. Let them dance and crisp up, turning golden brown on all sides. This is where the magic happens – those gorgeous caramelized edges are flavor central!

• Create a Dreamy Sauce

Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the pan. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as it transforms into a creamy, luxurious sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

• Bring Everything Together

Slide the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together, letting the pasta soak up all that incredible sauce. If it looks a bit dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and add some chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible.

Add-Ons and Seasonings for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

• Pasta Perfect Timing: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushy texture and ensuring ideal pasta consistency.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties for richer, more authentic flavor and smoother melting.
• Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference – use roasted garlic for milder flavor or fresh minced garlic for a sharper kick.
• Low-Carb Swap Hack: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly version that keeps the delicious flavor profile intact.
• Protein Power-Up: Experiment with different protein options like grilled shrimp, turkey, or plant-based chicken alternatives to suit various dietary needs and preferences.

Ways to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Family Style

• Pasta Party Platter: Serve this dish on a large wooden board with extra parmesan shavings scattered around, creating a rustic, inviting presentation that encourages family-style sharing.
• Herb Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic pop of color and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the rich, creamy chicken and pasta combo. A slice of garlic bread would also complement the meal perfectly.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, whose light and crisp notes will beautifully cut through the creamy parmesan sauce.

How to Store and Reheat This Pasta Dish the Right Way

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Portion Control Technique: Divide meal into individual serving sizes before refrigerating, making reheating and meal prep easier throughout the week.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated pasta by adding a splash of reserved pasta water and gently heating in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Chicken and pasta can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.

Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Garlic parmesan chicken and pasta delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal that promises rich, creamy flavors. Crispy chicken and al dente pasta combine with a luxurious sauce, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt (for pasta water)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot, then cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions, reserving a half cup of the starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Seasoning Blend: Create a zesty coating by mixing grated parmesan, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Chicken Coating: Thoroughly pat chicken breasts dry, then dredge each piece in the seasoned parmesan mixture, ensuring an even, complete coverage.
4. Searing Process: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully placing the coated chicken and cooking until golden brown and crisp on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Temperature Check: Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee full cooking.
6. Sauce Integration: Reduce skillet heat, add butter and remaining garlic, creating a quick pan sauce while gently tossing the reserved pasta in the flavorful remnants.
7. Final Assembly: Plate the crispy parmesan chicken atop the garlic-infused pasta, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional grated parmesan for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Ensure pasta reaches al dente consistency by testing a strand 1-2 minutes before package recommended time, preventing mushy or overly soft results.
• Starch Water Magic: Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, emulsified sauces that help ingredients cling perfectly to noodles.
• Salt Strategically: Add salt to boiling water generously – it’s the only chance to season pasta internally, enhancing overall dish flavor profile.
• Timing is Critical: Keep pasta warm but not overcooking by placing in a covered bowl or using a gentle heat source while preparing other recipe components.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 873
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 495 mg
• Fat: 56 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 182 mg