Pin it
This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe saved my busy weeknights. I perfected it when looking for quick family meals and now it's our most requested dinner. The combination of tender chicken creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta creates pure comfort food magic.
What Makes This Special
Everything comes together in one pan and under 30 minutes. Plus it uses ingredients I always have on hand. My kids actually cheer when they smell the garlic and Parmesan cooking.
Grab These Ingredients
- Chicken: Breast or thighs both work great.
- Fresh Cream: Makes it silky smooth.
- Real Parmesan: Not the powdered stuff.
- Good Stock: Adds so much flavor.
- Your Favorite Pasta: Any shape works.
- Plenty of Garlic: Don't be shy here.
Cook That Chicken
Season it well and get it nice and golden. That color equals flavor and we want lots of it.
Pin it
Perfect Pasta
Salt that water like the sea and save some before draining. That starchy pasta water is liquid gold for our sauce.
That Amazing Sauce
The garlic butter base is everything. Then we add cream stock and plenty of Parmesan. Watch it turn into the silkiest sauce ever.
Bringing It Together
Toss that pasta in our gorgeous sauce. Add pasta water if needed we want it perfectly coated not sticky.
Add The Chicken
Slice it against the grain and mix it through. Every bite should have a perfect balance of pasta chicken and sauce.
Pin it
Time To Serve
We love this with garlic bread and a simple salad. Extra Parmesan on top is a must in our house.
Keeping Leftovers
It keeps well in the fridge but the sauce might thicken. Just add a splash of milk when reheating and it's good as new.
Mix It Up
Try mushrooms instead of chicken or add spinach for extra greens. This recipe is really forgiving and fun to experiment with.
Best Tips
Grate your Parmesan fresh makes such a difference. And that pasta water trick never fails to make the sauce perfect.
Pin it
Make More
This recipe doubles easily for meal prep or when feeding a crowd. Just make sure your pan is big enough.
Make It Your Own
Add crispy bacon sun-dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes. The base recipe is so good but there's always room to play.
Kid Friendly
Even picky eaters love this one. The creamy sauce and tender chicken win them over every time.
Date Night Worthy
Add a glass of white wine and some candlelight. This simple pasta feels fancy enough for special occasions.
Pin it
Save That Sauce
The sauce freezes beautifully on its own. Perfect for quick meals just cook fresh pasta and chicken.
Quick Fixes
Too thick? Add pasta water. Too thin? Let it simmer. The sauce is really easy to adjust to your liking.
Good For You
Lean protein from the chicken calcium from the Parmesan. Add some veggies and you've got a balanced meal.
Pin it
Simply Perfect
This pasta proves that simple ingredients and a little love make the best meals. It's comfort food at its finest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
- Yes, any type of pasta works. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.
- → Why save pasta water?
- Pasta water helps thin the sauce while maintaining creaminess. Add gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, great for meal prep. Store in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding splash of cream if needed.
- → Why pound the chicken?
- Pounding chicken ensures even thickness for consistent cooking and tenderness.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, skip chicken cooking steps and add cooked chicken at the end. Adjust seasonings as needed.