I just have to share this! Last night, I whipped up the most satisfying easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe, and wow, it was a hit. The creamy garlic-infused sauce clinging to tender bites of pasta, paired with crispy, golden chicken—is there anything better?
What I loved most was how simple it was to make. This recipe feels like fine dining at home, and it only took me 30 minutes. Trust me, you’ll crave it after just one taste. For a more elegant dinner option, consider pairing this with a classic French Chateaubriand for a truly indulgent meal.
Ingredients That Make It Perfect
Every ingredient here works together to deliver unbelievable flavor. Here’s your shopping list:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
Pound the chicken thin for even cooking and extra juicy bites. - 1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
These bring perfectly seasoned crispiness to your chicken. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated is ideal for the best flavor; pre-shredded works in a pinch. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Adds that pop of garlic flavor to complement the creamy sauce. - 1/2 teaspoon salt
Enhances the flavors of the breading and chicken alike. - 16 ounces penne pasta
Tubular pasta like penne or ziti holds onto the sauce beautifully. - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Forms the creamy base of your sauce. - 4 cloves of garlic, minced
Freshly minced garlic is a game-changer! - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Helps thicken the sauce into creamy perfection. - 2 cups heavy cream
Delivers that decadent, luscious texture to your sauce. - 1 cup chicken broth
Adds depth for a sauce that’s not overly heavy. - 1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Season your sauce to taste for a balanced finish.
Note: This recipe makes 4-6 generous servings. Adjust portions up or down as needed.
Variations for Endless Twists
Want to mix things up? Here are a few creative tweaks:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk thickened with cornstarch.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for added heat.
For a unique twist, you might also enjoy this easy skillet pizza with Brussels and bacon.
Cooking Time
Getting dinner on the table is quick and easy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup! Here’s what you’ll use:
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and building the sauce.
- Pasta pot: To boil the pasta.
- Tongs: For flipping chicken without losing the crispy coating.
- Mixing bowls: Handy for breading the chicken.
- Whisk: To ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Here’s how I made this dish, broken into easy steps so you can follow along without a hitch.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts into thin cutlets or pound them to an even thickness. This ensures quick and consistent cooking. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Coat each piece of chicken generously in this flavorful mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Set the cooked chicken aside.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Once tender, drain and set it aside, but don’t rinse it—that starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Once the mixture thickens, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat every piece. Slice the chicken and layer it on top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve steaming hot!
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this a couple of times, I’ve found these tricks really elevate the dish:
- Use fresh cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan can clump; fresh Parmesan melts beautifully.
- Don’t rush the chicken: Allow the coating to brown completely before flipping.
- Preheat your oil: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to avoid sogginess.
- Salt pasta water: This small step infuses flavor into the pasta itself.
- Make it ahead: You can cook the chicken and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Presentation matters as much as taste! Serve this dish with:
- A side of garlic bread or breadsticks for scooping up extra sauce.
- Light roasted broccoli or cauliflower for a healthy addition.
- A refreshing Italian salad drizzled with vinaigrette.
Sprinkle the final dish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’re getting per serving:
- Calories: ~697
- Protein: ~36g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~39g
This dish is indulgent, but oh-so-worth it!
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Don’t ditch the leftovers! Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-friendly container; keeps well for 1-2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F, adding a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish isn’t just tasty; it checks every box. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknights, ready in 30 minutes.
- Restaurant-quality taste: Your family or guests will feel you went all out.
- Customizable: Adapt to dietary needs or personal preferences easily.
- Crowd-pleaser: Delightful for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.
- Budget-friendly: Luxurious flavor without an extravagant price tag!
If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, you can also enjoy these dinner recipes.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for chicken breasts if you’re short on time!
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or thicken almond milk with cornstarch if you want a lighter dairy feel.
Will the pasta dry out if stored?
A bit, but reheating with a splash of cream or broth will revive its creamy texture.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Ziti, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work wonderfully.