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When dinner time rolls around and you need something that satisfies everyone at the table while still being doable on a busy weeknight, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers exactly what you’re looking for. This easy-to-make dish features juicy chicken, velvety Parmesan garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that comes together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes ordinary Tuesday nights feel special without requiring any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors with home-kitchen convenience that makes it perfect for family friendly pasta dinner solutions. The rich cheesy garlic sauce coats every strand of pasta while the tender shredded chicken breast adds protein and satisfaction to create a complete meal in one dish. It’s ideal for girls night dinner ideas and back to school dinner ideas because it’s both impressive and approachable. The one pot chicken pasta recipe format means less cleanup, and the creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold garlic flavor profile appeals to kids and adults alike, making it one of those quick and easy dinner recipes for two that easily scales up for larger families.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Getting your ingredients ready for this Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe copycat feels exciting because you know you’re about to create restaurant flavors at home.
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits
Why These Ingredients Matter
The key to perfect TikTok garlic parmesan chicken pasta lies in using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded – it melts more smoothly and creates that silky sauce texture. Heavy cream is essential for the rich, creamy base, though you can lighten it slightly with half-and-half if needed. Using real butter instead of margarine adds depth of flavor that complements the garlic beautifully, similar to the techniques I use in my garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes.
Instructions for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Step 2: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook penne pasta with garlic butter according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 4: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Remove from heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 7: Add cooked pasta and chicken to the creamy garlic parmesan sauce, tossing to coat. Add pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Hint: Don’t let the sauce boil after adding the cheese or it might become grainy. Keep the heat gentle and stir constantly for the smoothest results!
Top Tip
The secret to perfect garlic parmesan chicken pasta stove top success is timing and temperature control. Cook your chicken first and let it rest – this keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking. When making the sauce, remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation.
For the most authentic Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta stove top experience, don’t skip the fresh garlic – it makes all the difference in creating that bold flavor profile. If you want to make this crockpot chicken pasta, you can adapt it by using shredded rotisserie chicken and following slow cooker techniques, similar to how I adapt recipes in my spinach mushroom and ricotta stuffed zucchini boats.
My Chicken Pasta Evolution
This recipe evolved from my attempts to recreate that famous restaurant dish at home after a particularly memorable girls’ night out. We’d ordered their garlic parmesan chicken pasta and spent the entire meal trying to figure out what made it so addictive. When I got home, Grandma was waiting up and asked about our evening. “It was this amazing pasta,” I told her, “but I can’t figure out the secret.”
Grandma just smiled and said, “Jazzy, the secret to good pasta isn’t magic – it’s good ingredients and proper technique.” She taught me that the sauce comes together off the heat, that fresh Parmesan makes all the difference, and that patience with the garlic prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
My first attempt was decent, but by the third try, I had created this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with broccoli version that had become even better than the restaurant original. Now it’s our go-to for September dinner ideas when we want comfort food that feels special, and I always remember Grandma’s lesson about respecting both ingredients and technique.
Substitutions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you need to adapt this simple chicken breast recipes for dinner for different tastes or dietary needs, here are substitutions that maintain that incredible creamy, garlicky appeal.
Heavy cream – half-and-half works for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich. For dairy-free options, use coconut cream or cashew cream.
Chicken breast – rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Chicken thighs create a richer dish, or use shrimp for a seafood variation.
Penne pasta – any pasta shape works, but choose something with ridges or curves that hold the sauce well. For gluten-free options, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Parmesan cheese – Pecorino Romano creates a sharper flavor, or use a combination of both. For dairy-free versions, nutritional yeast provides umami depth, similar to how I adapt dairy elements in my cucumber caprese salad.
Variations on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This versatile Parmesan chicken pasta adapts beautifully to different preferences while maintaining that signature creamy, garlicky character.
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake – transfer everything to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta – use the slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken method with raw chicken, broth, and seasonings, then add cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes.
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with broccoli – add steamed broccoli florets for color, nutrition, and extra texture that kids often love.
Crock pot Italian chicken pasta – add Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives for a Mediterranean twist that’s perfect for meal prep.
Lightened version – use Greek yogurt mixed with a little cream for part of the dairy, and add extra vegetables for bulk, similar to how I create healthier versions of my Korean ground beef bowl.
Equipment for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven is essential for even heat distribution and preventing the sauce from scorching. You need enough space to toss the pasta with the sauce without making a mess.
A good whisk helps create the smoothest sauce possible, and having a microplane grater for fresh Parmesan makes a huge difference in texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly it melts.
Don’t forget a pasta fork or tongs for tossing everything together – this helps coat every piece of pasta evenly without breaking the noodles.
Storage Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Refrigeration:
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
- The sauce may thicken when cold, so add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating
- This Parmesan garlic chicken pasta reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop
Freezing:
- Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh
- If you must freeze, do so without the sauce and add fresh sauce when reheating
- Individual portions freeze better than large batches
Make-ahead tips: Cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate. The sauce comes together quickly, making this perfect for quick weeknight assembly when you prep components in advance.
Grandma’s Secret for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Grandma’s secret ingredient was a tablespoon of cream cheese stirred into the sauce along with the Parmesan. “It makes everything silkier and prevents the sauce from breaking, Jazzy,” she’d explain while whisking it in gently. “Plus it adds that extra richness that makes people think you used twice as much cream.” The cream cheese also helps the sauce reheat better without separating.
Her other trick? She always finished the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Just a teaspoon brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness without making the sauce taste lemony. It’s what makes this taste restaurant-quality instead of just rich and heavy.
This creamy, golden pasta showcases Grandma’s cream cheese secret with perfectly coated noodles and tender chicken in that signature velvety sauce.
FAQ about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
What sauce goes well with chicken pasta?
Garlic Parmesan sauce is a classic choice because the creamy, cheesy base complements chicken perfectly. Other excellent options include Alfredo, pesto, or marinara. This heavy cream and parmesan blend creates the ideal balance of richness and flavor that makes chicken pasta irresistible.
How to make an easy chicken pasta?
The easiest approach is to cook chicken first, then make a simple sauce in the same pan to build flavors. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta ingredients list is straightforward – chicken, pasta, cream, cheese, and garlic are really all you need for a satisfying meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.
What is the simplest pasta dish?
While spaghetti aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil) is technically the simplest, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is simple enough for beginners but feels much more substantial. It’s essentially just sautéing garlic, adding cream and cheese, then tossing with pasta and chicken.
What is the best cream for chicken pasta?
Heavy cream (36-40% fat) is ideal because it creates the richest, smoothest sauce that won’t curdle when heated. Half-and-half works for a lighter version, but heavy cream gives you that luxurious restaurant-quality texture that makes this dish special.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has become our answer to the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question, especially on those nights when we want something that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours of preparation. The beauty of this dish lies in how it transforms simple pantry ingredients into something that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.
If you’re looking for another delicious chicken and garlic combination, this Simple Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a different but equally satisfying way to enjoy these classic flavors. How do you make weeknight dinners feel special without a lot of extra work? I’d love to hear your own shortcuts to restaurant-quality meals at home!
Jasmine 💛
Grandma’s Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or Dutch oven A heavy-bottomed one is best to prevent the sauce from scorching.
- 1 Whisk For creating that perfectly smooth, velvety Parmesan sauce.
- 1 Microplane grater Grandma always said freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz penne pasta Or another shape that holds sauce well.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic Minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Divided.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.
- Salt and black pepper To taste.
Instructions
- First, let's get the chicken ready. Season the [boneless, skinless chicken breasts] generously with [1 teaspoon Italian seasoning], [salt], and [black pepper]. Heat the [olive oil] in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until it's golden and cooked through. Set it aside to rest before slicing.
- While the chicken cooks, get your [penne pasta] boiling in a large pot of salted water. Cook it just until al dente, according to the package directions. Before you drain it, remember to save about a half-cup of that starchy pasta water, it's liquid gold for the sauce!
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the [butter] over medium heat. Add the minced [garlic] and cook for just a minute until it smells incredible. Grandma's voice is always in my ear here: "Don't let it burn, Jazzy, or it will turn bitter!"
- Pour in the [heavy cream] and [chicken broth], whisking it all together. Let it come to a gentle simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Now for the most important part: remove the pan from the heat before adding the cheese.
- Off the heat, gradually whisk in the [freshly grated Parmesan cheese] until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety. This is the technique Grandma taught me to get that perfect restaurant-quality finish. Stir in the remaining [Italian seasoning], [red pepper flakes] (if using), and a little more [salt] and [pepper].
- Add the cooked pasta and the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until every single piece of pasta is coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it's perfect.
- Serve this up right away, nice and hot. I love to garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped [fresh parsley] and an extra dusting of Parmesan. It's the perfect ending to a dish that came from a fun memory and was perfected with Grandma's love.
Notes
- Grandma’s Secrets: For the silkiest sauce that never breaks, stir in 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese along with the Parmesan. Her other trick was to finish the sauce with a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice, it brightens everything up without tasting like lemon!
- Make it a Bake: Want a crispy top? Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with more cheese and some breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Add-Ins: This recipe is wonderful with steamed broccoli florets or chopped sun-dried tomatoes stirred in at the end.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken when cold; add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring it back to life.
