There’s something wonderfully comforting about a creamy, garlicky pasta loaded with tender chicken and a generous sprinkle of cheese. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe hits all those cozy notes, making it a go-to when you want something both indulgent and satisfying on the dinner table.

A large white round pan filled with creamy penne pasta coated in a smooth light beige sauce mixed with visible black pepper and herbs. On top, two neat rows of grilled golden brown chicken strips with a slightly charred texture each sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small green parsley pieces. A golden spoon is partially submerged in the pasta on the lower left side. The background shows a white marbled surface with a part of a white cloth visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I first tossed this pasta together, I knew I had something special. What’s not to love about a recipe that delivers rich, garlicky flavor, creamy sauce, and juicy chicken all in one pot? Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to pull off.

Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy sauce and tender chicken make every bite feel like a warm hug.
Quick and Easy: Just a handful of ingredients and about 40 minutes to dinner—perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily add veggies or spice it up just how you like it.
Family-Friendly: Everyone from picky eaters to garlic lovers will enjoy it.

The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta with grilled pieces on the side arranged in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The pasta is coated in a thick, smooth white sauce with herbs and black pepper visible, giving it a speckled texture. The grilled pieces are golden brown with a slightly crispy look, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and a bit of white grated topping. The contrast between the creamy sauce and the browned grilled pieces creates a rich, inviting look. A golden spoon rests partially submerged in the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe brings together ingredients that complement each other beautifully—the creamy sauce is velvety without being too heavy, and the spices on the chicken add a lovely depth without overpowering the dish.

Flat lay of two medium raw chicken breasts with smooth skin, small heaps of salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika sprinkled nearby, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of uncooked penne pasta, a small white bowl containing two tablespoons of olive oil, a small white bowl with two tablespoons of unsalted butter cubes, a small pile of finely chopped shallot, several fresh garlic cloves peeled and whole, a tiny heap of red pepper flakes, a neat mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl holding creamy half-and-half, a small heap of crushed chicken bouillon powder, small piles of dried parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano, a small pile of salt, a small heap of black pepper, a generous pile of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, and a halved lemon with some juice droplets visible placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Slicing and pounding them thin helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
Garlic & shallot: The aromatics provide that signature savory base that's essential here.
Penne pasta: Its shape holds the sauce perfectly, so every bite is flavorful.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for best flavor and melting texture.
Half-and-half: Keeps the sauce creamy without being too heavy; you can swap in milk with a touch of cornstarch if needed.
Chicken broth & bouillon: Adds savory richness and depth to the sauce.
Olive oil & butter: Both bring richness and help cook the aromatics and chicken beautifully.
Spices (paprika, onion powder, pepper, red pepper flakes): Perfect for seasoning the chicken and adding a subtle kick.
Fresh parsley and lemon juice (optional): Brighten and freshen the dish just before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to what you have or what you love. I like to toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for color and extra flavor, but the base recipe is delicious all on its own.

Vegetable Boost: Adding sautéed mushrooms or broccoli florets makes it heartier and sneakily healthier, which my family never minds.
Spice It Up: I sometimes add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky heat that wakes up the dish.
Dairy-Free Swap: I've used coconut milk instead of half-and-half for a dairy-free twist; just be sure to adjust seasoning to balance the flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Tenderize Your Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner fillets — about four pieces total. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or the side of a can until they’re evenly thin. This step helps them cook quickly and stay juicy, which is key for this recipe.

Step 2: Season and Rest the Chicken

Mix up your seasoning blend—salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Once the chicken’s dry, drizzle lightly with olive oil and rub the seasoning on both sides. Let it rest while you get your Parmesan grated and your pasta cooking. Trust me, this waiting makes the seasoning settle beautifully.

Step 3: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Boil your penne in heavily salted water until just al dente—firm but cooked through. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that pasta water and set it aside. This starchy water is magic for adjusting the sauce consistency later without watering it down.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (aim for 160°F internal temp). Don’t rush this—getting that golden crust is where a ton of flavor comes from. Once done, let it rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Step 5: Build Your Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean — those browned bits are flavor bombs), melt butter over medium heat. Add your chopped shallots and sauté until tender, then toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds to release their aroma. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute — this creates a roux that thickens the sauce.

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken. Then add chicken bouillon powder and dried herbs. Lower the heat and gently fold in your freshly grated Parmesan — adding it bit by bit helps it melt evenly without clumping.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Mix cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce, or arrange chicken on top if you prefer. Use some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Season with extra salt, cracked pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it all up.

Top Tip

After making this recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned some handy tricks that make the difference between good and wow-worthy on your first try.

Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest after cooking locks in juices, ensuring it’s tender, not dry.
Fresh Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt quite the same—use a microplane or fine grater.
Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is your secret weapon for a saucier, silkier finish without diluting flavors.
Use a Light Hand with Flour: Cooking the roux just enough prevents a raw flour taste—just about a minute is perfect.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness, sometimes a little cracked black pepper on top. And don’t skip the lemon juice — it adds a brightness that cuts through the creamy richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this pasta with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread on the side is always a winner too!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ll serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with thin slices of chicken arranged like a fan. Adding a few halved cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of pesto ups the wow factor without any extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s still delicious, though the sauce thickens, so keep a splash of milk or broth on hand to loosen it when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve had decent luck freezing this pasta, though the texture of the sauce can change slightly. If you freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove with a bit of extra liquid to bring it back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth, milk, or reserved pasta water helps restore that fresh-from-the-stove silkiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great because it holds sauce well, you can swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What if I don’t have half-and-half?

You can use whole milk combined with a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the sauce as a good substitute. Evaporated milk with cornstarch also works if that's what you have on hand.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free milk alternative like coconut or almond milk with cornstarch to achieve creaminess. For the cheese, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, though the texture will differ slightly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and pasta separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers and combine with the sauce just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe because it’s just that dependable: tasty, simple, and satisfying. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen when I want to wow family or friends without a fuss. I hope you find yourself making it again and again, too—it's like a warm, cheesy hug you can enjoy any day of the week.