Few dishes strike the perfect balance between rich, creamy, and savory quite like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Whether you’re a fan of hearty Italian-inspired comfort food or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this dish has it all.
From the juicy, golden-brown chicken to the smooth, garlicky Parmesan sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile dish—you can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even as a one-pot meal!
If you’ve ever craved Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll love this homemade version. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and just as delicious!
So, let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this restaurant-worthy dish in your kitchen.
What Makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta So Irresistible?
- A perfect blend of flavors – The rich buttery Parmesan sauce, roasted garlic, and tender chicken create an unbeatable taste.
- Great for meal prep – Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
- Customizable – Swap out the pasta, and protein, or add vegetables for your twist.
- Quick & easy – With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together within 45 minutes.
The Secret to a Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
1. Choosing the Best Pasta
The type of pasta you use can change the texture and experience of the dish. Here are some top choices:
- Penne or Rigatoni – Holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Fettuccine – Classic choice for a smooth, velvety pasta experience.
- Angel Hair – Light and delicate, perfect for a quicker cooking time.
- Gluten-Free Pasta – Works well if you need a gluten-friendly option.
Pro Tip: Always cook pasta al dente (firm to the bite). It prevents sogginess and absorbs the sauce better!
2. Cooking the Perfect Chicken
For the best texture, sear the chicken first before adding it to the pasta.
Tips for Juicy Chicken:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tenderness.
- Season generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika for a flavor boost.
- Sear over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps it juicy!
For an extra crispy texture, lightly coat the chicken with flour or panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
3. Mastering the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is the heart of this dish! It’s smooth, rich, and incredibly easy to make.
Essential Ingredients for the Sauce:
Garlic – The star ingredient! Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor.
Butter – Adds richness and depth.
Heavy Cream – The key to a luscious, velvety texture.
Parmesan Cheese – Always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce.
Chicken Broth – Enhances flavor while keeping the sauce from being too thick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t use pre-shredded Parmesan—it won’t melt properly.
- Avoid high heat when adding cheese—it can turn grainy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Ways to Customize Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is incredibly versatile—you can tweak it to fit your taste preferences!
1. Add Vegetables
Make it a more balanced meal by adding:
- Spinach (stir in at the end for extra greens)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (for a sweet, tangy contrast)
- Mushrooms (sautéed for extra umami flavor)
- Broccoli or Peas (adds texture and color)
2. Spice It Up
For a spicy kick, add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Cayenne pepper
- Buffalo sauce (for a Buffalo Wild Wings-inspired twist!)
Before using store-bought Buffalo sauce, you might want to check out this guide on unhealthy ingredients in Buffalo wing sauce to make a more informed choice about what you’re adding to your dish!
3. Try Different Proteins
While chicken is the go-to choice, you can also use:
- Shrimp – Cooks quickly and pairs well with Parmesan.
- Salmon – A healthy, flavorful alternative.
- Crispy bacon – For a smoky, savory upgrade.
4. Make It a One-Pot Meal
To cut down on cleanup, try a one-pot garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe:
- Cook the chicken first, then remove it.
- Add pasta, broth, and cream directly into the pan.
- Simmer until pasta is tender, then stir in cheese and chicken.
Try This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Tonight!
If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a must-try. Whether you make it on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or as a one-pot meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family.
If you love creamy pasta dishes like this, you might also enjoy this Alfredo Tortellini with Chicken—a delicious twist on a classic Alfredo that’s just as rich and satisfying!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking! 🍝
👉 If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends or check out more easy, delicious pasta recipes on our blog! 😊
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Tongs or wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp Paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Unsalted butter
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz Penne pasta (or fettuccine, rigatoni, or your choice of pasta)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup Chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- 1½ cups Grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
- ½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup Milk (to adjust sauce consistency if needed)
For Garnishing:
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp butter and melt over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
- Lower the heat and slowly add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until the sauce is smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until evenly combined.
- Let the pasta cook in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half and use less Parmesan cheese.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce! 😊 🍝