Comfort food doesn’t get better than this garlic parmesan chicken pasta. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The result? A dish that’s both satisfying and restaurant-quality.
This parmesan chicken pasta fits perfectly into hectic weeknight schedules and elegant dinner parties. You need just a few simple ingredients: garlic, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy pasta dish that rivals any restaurant.
Love Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce? This chicken pasta recipe recreates those bold, savory flavors in a satisfying dinner dish. No complex techniques required – just simple steps that deliver amazing results.
The creamy garlic sauce coats each piece of pasta beautifully. Each forkful brings intense parmesan richness balanced with perfect garlic notes. This easy-to-make recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food.
Key Benefits of This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers amazing results for many reasons:
Speed and Simplicity: Ready in 30 minutes using basic pantry ingredients. No special equipment needed – just one large skillet and a pasta pot.
Rich, Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The parmesan garlic sauce delivers deep, creamy taste that rivals expensive restaurants. Fresh garlic and quality parmesan cheese make all the difference.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the creamy sauce, while adults appreciate the sophisticated garlic flavor. This pasta dish pleases every palate at the table.
Incredible Versatility: Works with penne pasta, linguine, or your favorite pasta shape. Chicken thighs work wonderfully in place of chicken breast and provide more tender, flavorful results.
Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, warming, and satisfying. This chicken and pasta combination hits every comfort food note.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully. Prepare extra portions to have convenient weeknight meals ready to go.
This isn’t just another pasta recipe – it’s a creamy, cheesy masterpiece you can create at home.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For the Chicken
- 2 skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), sliced thin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chicken broth (if needed)
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (or use any pasta variety you enjoy)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra shredded parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
Complete Instructions: Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook penne pasta in salted water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. The starchy pasta water is key to achieving the ideal sauce texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into thin, even strips. Coat the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for optimal flavor. Let seasoned chicken sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet using medium-high temperature. Pan-fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden color and cook completely. Move the finished chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir. Let the cream mixture cook slowly for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Fold in the grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and preferred seasonings. The parmesan garlic sauce should thicken slightly. If too thick, add chicken broth gradually.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Mix the cooked pasta into the garlic sauce, adding some reserved pasta water as needed. Mix well to coat every piece. Add the chicken back to the skillet and stir until well combined.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Top with additional parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes. Serve right away while the creamy garlic sauce maintains its silky texture.
Pro Tips and Variations for Perfect Chicken Pasta
Expert Tips for Success:
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Fresh parmesan cheese melts smoother and tastes richer than pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Thin slices cook quickly. Keep them juicy by not overcooking.
Save That Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Cooking Temperature: Use medium heat to prevent the cream cheese from separating.
Delicious Variations:
Crockpot Version: Place raw chicken breast, cream, chicken broth, garlic, and dry pasta in your crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours, then stir in parmesan cheese.
Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast.
Add Vegetables: Fresh spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli blend perfectly with this pasta dish.
Spice It Up: Extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds heat.
Buffalo Wild Wings Twist: Add a tablespoon of Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce to the creamy base for authentic restaurant flavor.
Cream Cheese Alternative: Use cream cheese with chicken broth instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with:
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread or warm baguette slices complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Fresh Salads: Caesar salad or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness.
Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus add color and nutrition.
Serve in warm bowls with extra shredded parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper on top. The presentation makes this comfort food feel special.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Chicken Pasta Recipe
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe delivers everything you want in comfort food: creamy texture, bold flavors, and easy preparation. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this pasta recipe never disappoints.
The combination of tender chicken breast, rich parmesan garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a restaurant-quality meal at home. Save this recipe to your recipe book – you’ll make it again and again.
This chicken pasta using simple ingredients proves that great flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques. Share this family favorite with friends who appreciate good food.
It’s easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken? A: Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Simply shred the meat and add it when combining the pasta and garlic sauce. This saves time and adds extra flavor.
Q: Can I freeze leftover parmesan garlic chicken pasta? A: Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
Q: Can I make this garlic parmesan pasta without heavy cream? A: Absolutely. Try using cream cheese mixed with chicken broth for a lighter alternative. You can also use half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
Q: What if I need to use gluten-free pasta? A: This recipe works perfectly with gluten-free pasta. Cook it carefully to maintain the right texture, and reserve extra pasta water since gluten-free pasta can absorb more liquid.
Q: What can I do if the sauce turns out too thin? A: Let the garlic parmesan sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. You can also stir in additional grated parmesan cheese or a small amount of cream cheese to thicken the sauce.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance? A: The pasta dish tastes best fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead. Cut the chicken and measure seasonings in advance. For the creamiest texture, prepare and serve the dish right away.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: Warm the pasta over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a bit of cream or chicken broth to bring back its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at full power, which can make the sauce grainy.