Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish. Tender bites of chicken, silky fettuccine, and a luscious garlic-parmesan sauce come together in one pan for a meal you’ll absolutely love!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta are a handful of essentials that each play a starring role in the final dish. Here’s how every ingredient adds something special—whether it’s creaminess, zest, or that buttery finish that brings everything together!

• Fettuccine noodles: Wide, silky noodles catch the creamy sauce beautifully—though any long pasta will work.
• Kosher salt: Generously seasoning the pasta water is the secret to deeply flavorful noodles.
• Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and a subtle richness to the pan sauce.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Use your favorite cut for juicy, tender bites that soak up garlicky goodness.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is a must—its bright heat balances out the creamy elements.
• Butter: Adds a touch of luxury and melds the garlic into the sauce.
• Garlic: Four cloves means bold flavor—don’t hold back!
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce dreamy and thick enough to cling to every bite.
• Fresh lemon (zest and juice): Cuts the richness with a hint of tang and brightness.
• Freshly grated Parmesan: The real deal—you want its nutty, salty flavor to shine (plus extra for topping!).
• Reserved pasta water: A splash brings the whole sauce together—don’t skip it!
• Frozen peas (optional): For a pop of color and sweet crunch.
• Fresh Italian parsley: Sprinkled on at the end for a garden-fresh finish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to riff on. Try these creative twists to suit your mood, your pantry, or the picky eaters at your table!

• Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or rotisserie chicken for a quick spin, or go meatless with sautéed mushrooms.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and the dish is effortlessly celiac-friendly.
• Bump Up the Veggies: Toss in spinach, asparagus tips, or sun-dried tomatoes for vibrant color and extra nutrients.
• Add Spice: Stir in red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, or finish with a dusting of cracked black pepper.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous couple tablespoons of kosher salt—this flavors the noodles from the inside. Toss in your fettuccine and cook until just perfectly al dente, then scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water before you drain. Don’t rinse the pasta; you want it to hold on to all that saucy goodness later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add your bite-sized chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Let the pieces get golden and cooked through—about 4-5 minutes. If you’re using chicken breasts, watch so they don’t dry out! Set the cooked chicken aside in a bowl while you make the sauce in the same pan—hello, extra flavor.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and toss in the butter and minced garlic. Let it sizzle just until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream, add all that lemon zest and juice, and whisk it all together. Once it’s gently simmering, mix in your Parmesan. The sauce should thicken slightly and turn everything a dreamy pale yellow.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add your drained fettuccine and chicken (plus peas, if you love a little pop of green) straight into the sauce. Toss everything so every bite gets coated. If things look a bit thick, drizzle in a splash of that reserved pasta water until you have your perfect creamy consistency. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, then finish with fresh parsley and a snowy rain of extra parmesan at the table.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle each bowl of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with an extra shower of Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley for dazzling color. Add just-cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat—it makes every bite pop!

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is the perfect balance to the rich, creamy sauce. Add warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for sopping up every last bit of deliciousness—trust me, there won’t be any leftovers!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, swirl the noodles high with tongs and top with thick slices of golden chicken. Serve in shallow pasta bowls to let the sauce shine, or try family-style in a big platter at the center of the table for everyone to dig in. Want to take it over the top? Drizzle a touch of lemon-infused olive oil over each plate before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days and reheats with all its creamy goodness intact.

Freezing

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions if needed. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy sauce. Microwave works too—cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until hot and silky again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta soon—it’s a recipe that brings so much comfort and joy to the table. Gather your people, twirl up a big forkful, and savor every creamy, garlicky bite!

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