Nothing beats the comfort of a steaming bowl of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta on a busy weeknight. Last Thursday, I was staring at my fridge wondering what to make for dinner when my youngest daughter suggested "that cheesy pasta thing you make." She was talking about this recipe - tender chicken pieces tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce.
This has become one of our most requested dinner ideas for tonight, and I can see why. The combination of savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and juicy chicken creates pure comfort food magic that brings the whole family to the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta will solve your weeknight dinner dilemmas in the most delicious way possible. The entire meal comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time with your family. My husband, who's usually skeptical of my "fancy" cooking experiments, now requests this recipe at least twice a month. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to every piece of pasta, while the chicken stays incredibly tender and flavorful.
What makes this one of the best easy family dinner ideas kid friendly is its universal appeal. Even my pickiest eater devours this without complaints, and the leftovers taste just as amazing the next day. The garlic parm chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavors using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, at around five dollars per serving, it's definitely one of those meals on a budget family favorites that doesn't sacrifice taste for affordability.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Aliana's Pro Tip
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Related
- Pairing
- More DINNER
What You'll Need
These simple ingredients create the most satisfying comfort food without breaking the bank. I love how this parmesan chicken pasta uses everyday staples to create something truly special.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Extras
Feel free to add spinach for extra nutrition or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. My sister always throws in some mushrooms, which work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Cook the Pasta First
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining, then set the cooked pasta aside.
Season and Sear Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken pieces in a single layer.
Get Perfect Golden Color
Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes without moving it, allowing a beautiful golden crust to form. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until fully cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Build the Garlic Base
Remove chicken from pan and add butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning? Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly once you add the garlic. If it starts browning too quickly, remove the pan from heat for a moment to let it cool down slightly.
Create Creamy Magic
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Aliana's Pro Tip
The secret to the creamiest sauce lies in using freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated stuff from a container.
Fresh parmesan melts so much better and creates that silky texture we're after.
I learned this the hard way when my first attempt resulted in a grainy, clumpy mess because I used the convenience cheese.
Also, don't skip reserving that pasta water - it contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully.
My mom taught me this trick years ago, and it's the difference between good pasta and absolutely incredible pasta that restaurants would be proud to serve.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
This chicken thigh pasta recipes foundation is incredibly flexible. You can easily substitute chicken breasts if that's what you have on hand, just be careful not to overcook them. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich.
Vegetarians can replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli. The garlic parmesan sauce is so flavorful that it makes any protein or vegetable taste amazing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover garlic parmesan chicken pasta in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking.
This dish doesn't freeze particularly well due to the cream sauce, but the leftovers make an excellent lunch the next day.
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with a simple Caesar salad and garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. For lighter accompaniments, try roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to add some green vegetables to the plate.
During family gatherings, I like serving this alongside my favorite antipasto platter with olives, cheese, and cured meats for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version that's still incredibly flavorful.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at medium or lower when adding the cream, and gradually whisk in the cheese off the heat to prevent curdling.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce components ahead, but it's best to combine everything fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're looking for more quick dinner ideas easy meals that please the whole family, these recipes deliver comfort and satisfaction every time. Try my creamy chicken alfredo for another pasta favorite, or my one-pot chicken and rice for minimal cleanup nights.
For more Dinner ideas on a budget, my slow cooker chicken and vegetables feeds a crowd for under ten dollars, while my baked ziti casserole is perfect for meal prep. These recipes all share that same family-friendly appeal with simple ingredients and maximum flavor.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe:
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