Garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re eating at a restaurant without leaving your home. The rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta creates a comforting meal that’s hard to resist. The best part? It’s all made in just 30 minutes, using only one pan, which makes cleanup super easy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend when you crave some comfort food, this dish has you covered. The cheese melts into the sauce, creating a deliciously smooth texture, while the garlicky flavors make every bite truly satisfying. For a similar treat, try garlic parmesan wings air fryer style to switch things up.
I first made this recipe for a fun Valentine’s Day dinner, though it might seem funny to load up on garlic for a romantic night! But when you’ve been with someone for nearly 10 years, a little garlic breath doesn’t hurt. The secret to the mouth-watering taste is in the combination of freshly shredded Parmesan, a touch of white wine reduction, and the best seasonings. Each step of cooking transforms the ingredients into a knockout dish that everyone will love—perfect for sharing with the whole family or just treating yourself to a flavorful,scrumptious meal
Why I LOVE THIS RECIPE
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is truly delicious and feels like a treat with its rich sauce and crisp, full-of-flavor chicken. The dish is perfectly layered, making it one of my all-time favorite dishes to enjoy. The mix of ingredients brings out the best flavors, and it’s always a slam dunk at the dinner table. While it’s great for everyday dinners, it’s often requested for special occasions like birthdays, thanks to how popular it is with the whole family. Plus, it’s fast and easy—just 30 minutes of prepping and you’ll have a tasty meal ready on the table.
Recipes Notes
When making garlic parmesan chicken pasta, there are some simple tips to ensure you get the best results. First, prep everything before you start; having all your ingredients ready will help you stay organized and make the cooking process smooth. If you’re short on time, this family-friendly meal can be ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish! Another trick is to use freshly grated parmesan for a richer flavor.
Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the page for the full recipe card, where you can find detailed instructions and quantities. It’s easy to follow, and I promise it will lead to a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress!
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta in the Slow Cooker
Using a crockpot to make garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a lifesaver on busy days. Just add all the ingredients in the beginning of the day and let the slow cooker do its magic while you go about your routine. This hearty and delicious meal is simple: place boneless chicken breasts in the pot, pour the Parmesan garlic sauce, and layer with some cream cheese and grated Parmesan. Let it cook low and slow until the chicken is tender and full of flavor, then shred it and mix it back into the creamy sauce. Toss in your cooked pasta, and top everything with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
This recipe is truly a tasty and easy favorite, and I’ve shared it many times on my blog because it’s perfect for any dinner. It always finds its place on my go-to list of slow cooker recipes, and it’s one of those dishes that’ll have you craving more. The mouthwatering combo of flavors is even picky eater-approved, so the whole family will love it!
What You Need to Make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
For the Chicken:
Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt
Pepper
Avocado oil (higher smoke point)
Creamy garlic sauce
For the Pasta:
Penne pasta
Unsalted butter
Yellow onion (diced)
Garlic (3 cloves)
Chicken broth
Cooking water
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (fresh, finely grated)
Parsley (optional, chopped)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Optional Ingredients:
Olive oil
Flour (for thickening)
White wine (for a fancy touch)
How To Make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Prepare the Chicken: Start by ensuring each piece of chicken is about 1/2 inch thick. You may need to butterfly or beat the chicken to achieve this thickness.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together seasoning such as paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture onto both sides of the chicken.
Heat the Pan: Place a large pan on the stove over medium heat and add avocado oil. Allow the oil to heat up.
Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, scrape the browned bits from the bottom. Whisk in broth until the flour dissolves, then add cream. Let it bubble and reduce to your preferred consistency.
Add the Parmesan: Stir in the parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted into the sauce.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, and spoon the sauce over the top.
Garnish: If desired, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Storage: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Leftovers do freeze/reheat well.
Some Important Queries
Q: How long is garlic Parmesan sauce good for?
A: Store your leftover garlic Parmesan sauce in a jar or another airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Q: How many days can you eat chicken parmesan?
A: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that cooked chicken can last three to four days in the refrigerator if stored at 40°F or less.
Q: How many carbs are in garlic Parmesan chicken pasta?
A: Per serving, garlic Parmesan chicken pasta contains 45 grams of carbs, not including optional toppings.
Q: What is garlic Parmesan wing sauce made of?
A: Garlic Parmesan wing sauce is made of water, vegetable oil, margarine, distilled vinegar, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Q: What does garlic Parmesan taste like?
A: Garlic Parmesan has a tangy, spicy mixture of mayonnaise, Italian seasonings, and garlic, with sweetness from roasted garlic being key to the flavor.