Okay, so imagine you’re craving something comforting, something creamy. Something that tastes like it. You spent hours in the kitchen. I have only 30 minutes to do something. What is Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta? It’s like the grown-up cousin of mac and cheese – all the creamy goodness. What are some comfort foods with added protein and a ton more flavor? I swear, the first time I made this, my husband practically licked the plate clean. And my kids? I was begging for it again the next night! You’ve got to try it.

What is Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta?

Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta… well, it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like! Think perfectly cooked pasta, tender, juicy chicken, all swimming in a ridiculously delicious, creamy sauce that’s bursting with the flavor of parmesan cheese and garlic. It’s essentially a symphony of savory goodness in a bowl. It’s not some fancy, complicated dish; it’s home cooking at its finest. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s unbelievably easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. It’s my go-to when I need a quick, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, let me tell you why you’re absolutely going to fall head-over-heels for this Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta. First and foremost: the flavor. It’s a creamy, garlicky, cheesy explosion that just makes your taste buds sing. The parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth that perfectly complements the richness of the cream and the zing of the garlic. It’s really something special.

But honestly, what I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. It comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients, just straightforward cooking that delivers incredible results. Forget ordering takeout; this is faster, healthier, and way more delicious.

And let’s not forget about the cost. Chicken breasts are generally pretty affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. You can easily feed a family of four on a budget with this recipe. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrients. It’s also great with different types of pasta – I’ve even used gluten-free pasta and it turned out amazing! If you like Alfredo sauce, but want something even easier and more flavorful, this is the recipe for you. Trust me, you won’t regret making this!

How do I make Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta?

Quick Overview

Alright, here’s the lowdown on making this incredible Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta. Basically, you’ll cook your pasta, sauté some chicken, whip up that dreamy garlic parmesan sauce, and then toss it all together. It’s so simple it’s almost embarrassing, but don’t let that fool you – the flavor is seriously impressive. The trick is to not overcook the chicken, and to simmer the sauce gently so it gets nice and thick. I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – I always get mine from the supermarket. What makes a difference? * 1 tbsp olive oil – Extra virgin is my go-to for the best flavor. * 1 tsp garlic powder – Because you can never have too much garlic. * 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta:
* 1 lb pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work great) – I usually use spaghetti, but feel free to experiment.
* 8 cups water
* 1 tbsp salt

How do I make Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
* 4 tbsp butter – Unsalted is best, so you can control the saltiness of the sauce. * 4 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly chopped is a MUST! * 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce super rich and creamy. I’ve tried it with half-and-half and it’s okay, but heavy cream is the way to go. * 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Use good quality Parmean, the pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt. * 1/4 cup chicken broth – Adds a little extra flavor and thins the sauce slightly. * 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste) * 1/2 a teaspoon black pepper * 2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley. For garnish (optional) – Adds color and freshness.

What are the steps that

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

What is the best way to boil salted water? Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. How much pasta water should I reserve before draining? Is there a way to adjust the consistency of sauce?

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. If you overcrowd the pan, make sure not to overcook the chicken. I usually do it in batches.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?

Step 4: Add Cream and Simmer

What is the recipe for heavy cream and chicken broth? Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated. Has sauce thickened slightly? Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency. What is the desired consistency Sometimes I need a little, sometimes I don’t. It just depends!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired. Why not add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top?

What should I serve it with?

This Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some ideas.

For a Simple Side: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. It adds a bit of freshness to balance out the richness of the pasta.

For a Heartier Meal: Some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

For a Veggie Boost: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach are all great additions. My kids actually love it with peas mixed in!

For a Special Occasion: A glass of chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Honestly, this pasta is so good, it goes well with just about anything. But my personal favorite is just a big bowl of it, all by itself, on the couch after a long day.

How do I make Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta?

Okay, I’ve made this Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta countless times, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Nobody likes dry, rubbery chicken. Cook it just until it’s cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan is smoother and has a much better flavor.

Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the whole sauce. Cook it over medium heat for just about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Simmer the Sauce Gently: Don’t let the sauce boil, or it might separate. Simmer it gently over low heat until it thickens slightly.

Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.

Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Everyone has different preferences!

Add Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the pasta. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peas… they all work great.

Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of Red Pepper flakes to the sauce.

Make it Lighter: For a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious. I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it was surprisingly good!

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this pasta, but the sauce might separate slightly when it thaws. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

What are the most frequently asked questions on

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: my go-to Parmesan Garlic Sauce Chicken Pasta Recipe! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – the perfect weeknight meal for busy families. The creamy, garlicky sauce is simply irresistible, and the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta make it a satisfying and comforting dish. I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. If you love this recipe, you might also like my creamy tomato pasta or my lemon garlic shrimp scampi – both are equally easy and delicious! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe, and what variations you added. Also don’t forget to rate it so I know you liked it!