Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is more than just dinner—it’s a warm bowl of comfort, especially after a long day. This article will take you through the story behind this dish, why it’s a household favorite, and how you can make it easily at home. We’ll cover ingredients, cooking methods, and smart tips to make it work even on your busiest nights. From skillet to slow cooker, every version delivers creamy flavor with rich parmesan and tender chicken. You’ll also find out how to store and reheat it properly to keep that freshness intact. Let’s dive into the cozy goodness of garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Table of Contents
The Creamy Comfort of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A pasta recipe from my childhood kitchen
Growing up, one of the most comforting dishes that brought everyone to the table was garlic parmesan chicken pasta. I remember sitting on the counter beside my aunt, watching her stir together creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken over fettuccine. That aroma—warm garlic melting into butter, with the nutty scent of parmesan—filled the whole kitchen. It’s still my go-to comfort dish. That’s why I recreated a version that’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests.
At FlavourRecipe, comfort meals like this are the heartbeat of my kitchen. I love bringing flavors from memory into dishes like this one. Garlic parmesan chicken pasta hits every note—it’s rich, garlicky, and laced with a creamy sauce that hugs every noodle. Whether you’re after something family-friendly or a date-night dish, this recipe works.
Try it alongside similar favorites like my Marry Me Chicken Pasta or explore the lighter but equally satisfying lemon garlic chicken pasta. This garlic parmesan dish fits perfectly in that circle of classic pasta favorites, rich with protein and flavor.
What makes this pasta irresistible?
It’s all about the sauce. Garlic parmesan chicken pasta has a thick, velvety texture that clings to every bite. Fresh garlic is sautéed in butter, layered with heavy cream, and blended with freshly grated parmesan. Juicy, seared chicken pieces are tossed in, making it not just delicious—but filling. The seasoning is simple, letting the garlic and parmesan shine without overwhelming your palate.
What also makes this dish a staple in my home is its versatility. You can use penne, linguine, or even rigatoni. It works with grilled, shredded, or pan-seared chicken. Want a shortcut? Use rotisserie chicken and cut the cooking time in half.
The Ingredients That Make It Magic
Simple ingredients, big garlic parmesan flavor
PrintYou’ll Love This Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This irresistibly creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Ready in 30 minutes with juicy chicken and a velvety sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan
8 oz penne or fettuccine
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
5. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese and cook until melted and thickened.
7. Return chicken to skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss to coat.
8. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh parmesan for best results.
Add spinach or mushrooms for variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make garlic parmesan chicken pasta shine. That’s one of the best parts—it’s made with pantry staples that pack serious flavor. At the heart of it, this dish uses garlic, parmesan, butter, heavy cream, and boneless chicken. When simmered together, they create a luscious sauce that turns any pasta into a comfort-packed dish.
Here’s what I typically use:
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs (both work great)
- Fresh garlic cloves (at least 4 for strong flavor)
- Salted butter
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Pasta of your choice (I love penne or fettuccine)
- Optional: Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, or baby spinach
Cooking this dish starts with searing the chicken to a golden brown. Then in the same skillet, garlic is sautéed in butter until fragrant. That’s when you pour in the cream and melt in the cheese—hello, creamy garlic dream.
This recipe is flexible too. Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Need to make it lighter? Swap the cream for milk and add more broth. Want a baked version? Check out the cheesy Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a crispy finish.
Why fresh parmesan and garlic matter
It might be tempting to grab the green can of grated parmesan—but for garlic parmesan chicken pasta, freshly grated cheese is key. It melts better, tastes richer, and adds depth to the sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from blending smoothly.
The same goes for garlic. Fresh cloves have a sharper, fuller flavor than jarred or powdered garlic. It’s worth the extra 30 seconds to mince a few cloves by hand. Your pasta will thank you.
Easy Ways to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Slow cooker and pressure cooker options
One of the best things about garlic parmesan chicken pasta is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re working with a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, the results are always creamy and delicious. If you’re someone who loves dump-and-go meals, the slow cooker version is your best friend.
Slow Cooker Method:
Place chicken, garlic, seasonings, and broth into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken, stir in cooked pasta, and add the cream and parmesan. Keep it on warm while the sauce thickens. This version is perfect for busy weekdays and still delivers bold garlic parmesan flavor.
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker):
To make garlic parmesan chicken pasta in the Instant Pot, start by using the sauté setting to brown the chicken and garlic. Add pasta, broth, and pressure-cook for about 7–8 minutes. Once it’s done, release pressure, stir in cream and parmesan, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
Add your own twist
Want to personalize your garlic parmesan chicken pasta? You’ve got options. Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for an earthy layer. Stir in a touch of pesto or roasted red pepper for a creative upgrade. Craving heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Don’t be afraid to swap the pasta shape either. While fettuccine and penne are traditional, this dish works beautifully with shells or bowtie pasta too. The sauce clings well to any shape, making it a true weeknight winner.
Storing and Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Best ways to store leftovers
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta makes amazing leftovers—if you’re lucky enough to have any! The creamy texture holds up well when stored properly. Here’s how I do it:
Refrigerator:
Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce and pasta together—it actually gets more flavorful as it sits.
Freezer:
If you want to freeze it, skip the pasta and just freeze the sauce and chicken. Pasta can get mushy when thawed. Freeze the sauce in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready, cook fresh pasta and mix it in after reheating the sauce.
Reheat it right (without drying it out)
To bring your garlic parmesan chicken pasta back to life, use a low and slow method with extra liquid to refresh the sauce.
Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or broth to a pan and reheat on low, stirring occasionally. This prevents the sauce from separating and keeps everything creamy.
Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of cream or milk, cover, and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Avoid high heat, which can make the sauce greasy. If you notice the sauce thickening too much, just thin it with a little more cream or broth.
Conclusion
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is one of those dishes that never fails to comfort. It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly flexible. Whether you make it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or your Instant Pot, the results are always satisfying. And the leftovers? Just as good—maybe even better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
It’s a creamy, savory pasta dish made with seasoned chicken, fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and cream. It’s simple to prepare but packed with comfort and flavor.
2. How do you make garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
Sear chicken until golden, sauté garlic in butter, add cream and parmesan, then mix it all with cooked pasta. You can also make it in a slow cooker or pressure cooker for easier prep.
3. Can I make it in a slow cooker or pressure cooker?
Yes! It works great in both. In a slow cooker, cook the chicken and garlic first, then stir in the dairy and pasta at the end. In a pressure cooker, sauté then pressure cook the pasta, chicken, and broth together before finishing with cream and cheese.
4. How do I store leftovers and reheat it?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on low with extra milk or broth to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
