Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This creamy, savory dish features tender golden-browned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce that coats every bite. Topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this dish is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for a quick yet elegant meal. Whether for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests, this easy-to-make, restaurant-quality pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and a timeless combination of ingredients loved across cultures. While its exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, this dish is inspired by traditional Italian cuisine, where pasta, garlic, and cheese have been staple ingredients for centuries.
The use of Parmesan cheese and cream-based sauces stems from northern Italian cooking, where dairy-rich dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo first gained popularity. Meanwhile, the addition of garlic reflects influences from Mediterranean and European cooking traditions, where garlic has been revered for its aromatic depth and health benefits.
Over time, this dish has evolved into a modern comfort food favorite, often served in American and European households. The combination of tender chicken, garlic-infused cream sauce, and Parmesan cheese makes it a hearty, satisfying meal that is both indulgent and easy to prepare.
Today, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a versatile recipe enjoyed worldwide, with countless variations—some adding mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes, while others swap heavy cream for lighter alternatives. Whether cooked for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish continues to bring people together with its rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
Directions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
-
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring it into the sauce.
- Toss in the pasta, coating it well in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using) for extra spice.
-
Serve & Garnish:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Make it vegetarian – Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. Add more protein – Stir in cooked shrimp or crispy bacon for extra flavor. Lighter version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter. Extra cheesy? – Add shredded mozzarella or more Parmesan for a richer sauce.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 830kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 43g67%
- Saturated Fat 22.75g114%
- Trans Fat 0.75g
- Cholesterol 151mg51%
- Sodium 544.5mg23%
- Potassium 377.75mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 66.76g23%
- Dietary Fiber 1.55g7%
- Sugars 3.5g
- Protein 41g82%
- Vitamin A 625 IU
- Vitamin C 0.5 mg
- Iron 2.17 mg
- Vitamin D 0.97 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
