Here’s a creamy, cheesy, rich Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe—one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that everyone loves. 🍝🧀🍗
🍗🧄 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
For the chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the sauce & pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups heavy cream (or 2 cups cream + 1 cup milk)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, rotini, fettuccine, etc.)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Cook according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil/butter in a large skillet over medium-high.
- Cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove from pan and slice or shred.
3. Make the garlic Parmesan sauce
- In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed.
- Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream (and broth if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Add pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
4. Combine
Add cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce. Toss until everything is coated and creamy.
5. Serve
Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.
🍴 Tips & Variations
- Slow cooker version: Add raw chicken, cream, garlic, and Parmesan to a Crock Pot. Cook 4–6 hours low, shred chicken, stir in cooked pasta.
- Extra cheesy: Add ½ cup mozzarella for a stretchier sauce.
- Veggie boost: Add spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy version: Add more red pepper, or use Cajun seasoning.
Want the Crock Pot version, the baked casserole version, or a lighter version with Greek yogurt?
