Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

I can still remember the first time the pan hissed and the whole apartment smelled like garlic and warm cheese. The sound of the sear, that quick sizzle as the chicken kissed the hot oil, made the girls run from their homework like a tiny magnet. The living room lit up with the kind of hunger that only a weeknight meal can create: quick, honest, and deeply welcome. That night I learned that a simple pasta can feel like a small celebration. This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta has been my go-to comfort meal for busy evenings a recipe that fills the kitchen with scent and brings everyone to the table with ease.

Once it’s ready, the pasta glistens with a creamy sauce. The chicken has a little crust and is tender inside. The kids always pick at extra shreds of parmesan before I can get it to the table. I’ll tuck a little secret into the story here: sometimes I make the sauce in the morning and reheat it gently when I get home. It’s not cheating. It’s life in New York City with a family who wants home-cooked food, fast.

For a twist on side vegetables or a lighter touch, check this roasted carrot recipe that my neighbor swears pairs well with creamy pasta: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots. Meanwhile, if you love cozy one-pot comfort, I often balance this pasta night with a soup day that’s a household favorite: Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup.

Why Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Works for Busy Families

This dish is honest and forgiving. It does not demand perfect timing. It accepts a little multitasking, a half-sliced baguette, or a tossed salad when you need it. I love it because it asks for a handful of pantry staples, a quick sear, and then it lets you breathe while it simmers into comfort.

It sits in the middle of our week like a friendly neighbor. After piano lessons or a late meeting, I can start the pasta and have the sauce ready in about half an hour. From there, everything comes together with a simple toss. The kids like the creamy texture and the parmesan. My partner likes the garlicky aroma and the fact that the chicken is actually sticking around on the plate.

This recipe is also flexible. Use gluten-free farfalle for my daughter’s needs. Swap heavy cream for a lighter milk option when you want to reduce richness, or add green beans for color and crunch. It’s a small meal with big heart, and after years of making it, I know exactly how to coax the best flavor from each ingredient.

Bringing Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta to Life

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

There is something sensory and gentle about making this pasta. First, the chicken goes into a pan and sings with a quick sear. The color deepens to a golden brown, and the apartment starts to smell like warmth and comfort. Meanwhile, butter melts in the same pan and picks up the fond, the little browned bits that hold the soul of the flavor.

Once the butter is fragrant, the shallots and seasonings puff into the air, releasing a soft onion-sweetness. Adding flour thickens the sauce just enough. Then the broth and cream join in, and you whisk until the sauce is smooth and ribbon-like. Parmesan folds in like a blanket, melting into a glossy finish. The pasta joins the party, taking on the sauce like it was always meant to be there.

The process feels quick because each step is intentional but simple. The textures change in front of you: crisp sear on the chicken, silky sauce, and al dente pasta. Those little changes give you cues, and that’s where experience helps. Watch for golden edges on the chicken, stir until the sauce is creamy, and taste before you salt. Those tiny checks save the day and make the dish sing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tbsp olive oil (Costabile Brand (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off) )
• 1 1/2 lb Springer mountain farms chicken breast
• 1 1/2 tsp paprika (OliveNation)
• 1 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder (OliveNation)
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 12 oz gluten free farfalle pasta
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp dry shallots ((use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off) )
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Gluten Free 1:1 Flour
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 12 oz shredded parmesan
• 1/4 cup pasta water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Personal note: Use fresh basil if you can; it gives the dish that garden brightness. If you cannot find Springer mountain farms chicken, buy the best chicken you can source locally. Quality shows in a simple sear.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large pot, boil pasta according to the directions on the box for al dente. Use plenty of salted water. Save one cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Place all chicken seasonings into a small bowl and mix. Paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pound chicken down to thin out slightly. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
4. Then season the chicken on both sides with seasoning. Press the spice mix gently into the meat.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Wait until it shimmers.
6. Once hot, sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side. Watch for golden edges and a good crust.
7. Once both sides are seared, flip the chicken and lower the heat slightly to medium low. Reduce the heat so the inside cooks through without burning the exterior.
8. Place a lid on the pan and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes. Check at 10 minutes if your breasts are on the thinner side.
9. Once the internal temperature is 165 degrees, remove the chicken from the pan and place onto a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
10. Place the butter into the pan and allow it to melt. Swirl the pan to pick up the browned bits.
11. Once the butter is melted, add the pasta seasonings: shallots, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and simmer for one minute.
12. Next, add in the flour and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan. Cook the flour for about 30 seconds to remove the raw taste.
13. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk immediately to combine the flour and liquids.
14. Whisk well until a smooth and creamy sauce has been formed. Continue stirring to avoid lumps.
15. Pour in the Parmesan cheese and stir together until completely melted. The sauce will thicken and become glossy.
16. Allow it to cook, stirring occasionally until desired consistency is met. If it’s too thick, add pasta water one tablespoon at a time.
17. Pour in the pasta and toss well to coat evenly. The pasta should shine with sauce.
18. Add pasta water one tablespoon as a time to thin out the sauce. Stop when the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
19. Once that is done, slice the chicken breast and add them to the pasta. Arrange the slices on top or mix in gently.
20. Carefully stir, then serve! Garnish with extra parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Tips: Use a thermometer to check the chicken for 165°F. Stir until creamy. If the sauce looks grainy, heat gently and whisk the parmesan will re-emulsify. Watch for golden edges on the chicken and listen for that steady sizzle when oil is ready.

Serving Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta at the Family Table

I like to call this a meal that gathers people without drama. The kids bring mismatched bowls. The table is small and always cluttered with workbooks, keys, and a vase with one chewed tulip. The steam rises in soft clouds. Someone always drops parmesan on the floor, and we laugh. The noises are family sounds: clinking forks, the hum of the subway below, and the occasional, “Can I have more?”

We serve this with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Meanwhile, a basket of warm bread sits nearby, perfect for mopping the plate. For wine, a chilled Vermentino or a crisp Pinot Grigio works well. The cream calls for acidity to cut through the richness. For the kids, a glass of milk or sparkling water with a lemon slice makes them feel grown-up.

Presentation matters, but not too much. Spoon the pasta into shallow bowls. Lay the sliced chicken on top. Sprinkle more parmesan and scatter torn basil. From there, give everyone a little sprinkle of black pepper and a napkin. The first bite is always worth the wait: warm, savory, and a little bit luxurious.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Leftovers are a gift. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens overnight. That is okay. Flavors often deepen and taste even better the next day.

To reheat gently, add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water. Heat in a skillet over low heat and stir until warm and silky. Avoid the microwave when you can; it can make the sauce separate. For a fast microwave method, cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Freezing is possible but not perfect. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop and add a little broth or cream to bring the sauce back.

Reuse idea: Turn leftovers into a baked casserole. Place the pasta in a buttered baking dish, top with a handful of extra parmesan, and broil until golden. It becomes a new dinner with minimal effort.

For special instructions and a soup pairing idea, I sometimes pull from a tried recipe resource: Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. It helps when I make large batches for frozen weekday meals.

Quick Tips from My Kitchen

• Tip 1: Pound the chicken to even thickness. It cooks faster and stays juicy. This step cuts down on guesswork.
• Tip 2: Save pasta water. One tablespoon at a time helps smooth the sauce and keeps it glossy.
• Tip 3: Use good parmesan. Freshly shredded melts better. Pre-grated can be fine in a pinch, but fresh is worth it.
• Tip 4: Don’t rush the sear. The golden crust adds a nutty flavor that the sauce will thank you for.
• Tip 5: If the sauce splits, add a splash of hot pasta water and whisk. Heat gently and it will come together.

These are small habits I picked up while juggling late meetings and piano recitals. They make a difference without adding time.

Variations on Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

1. Veggie-forward: Add peas, spinach, or broccolini toward the end. They brighten the plate and add color.
2. Lemon-parmesan lift: Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. It cuts through the cream and feels fresh.
3. Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the shallots. The heat gives the pasta an adult edge.
4. Lightened version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter by one tablespoon. The result is lighter but still cozy.
5. Herb swap: Try tarragon or chives instead of basil for a different floral note.

These variations keep the recipe feeling new and adaptable to whatever the week throws at you.

What I’ve Learned Cooking Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This recipe taught me that small habits mean big comfort. A good sear, a watchful whisk, and fresh cheese make a weeknight feel special. Cooking is less about perfection and more about rhythms. Once a week I let the girls help with grating parmesan. It slows the process in the most lovely way, and we end up with extra parmesan on the floor and laughter in the air.

Expert tip: Temper your sauce gently. High heat can make dairy separate. Keep it low and slow when you add cheese. Use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula to scrape up the fond; that’s where layers of flavor live.

Authority note: This recipe cooks in about 35-40 minutes total. Prep time is roughly 10 minutes, active sear time about 12 minutes, and sauce time about 10-15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

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• Author: cookthatdish
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting and creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta dish that brings the family together for a quick weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast
• 1 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 12 oz gluten free farfalle pasta
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp dry shallots
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Gluten Free 1:1 Flour
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 12 oz shredded parmesan
• 1/4 cup pasta water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta according to box directions for al dente, using plenty of salted water and save one cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Mix paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pound chicken to even thickness and season on both sides with the spice mix.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
5. Sear chicken for 5 minutes on each side until golden and a good crust forms.
6. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Melt butter in the same pan, then add shallots, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and simmer for one minute.
9. Add flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring well.
10. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
11. Stir in parmesan until melted and sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
12. Toss pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
13. Add sliced chicken on top, serve, and garnish with extra parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

Use fresh basil for added flavor. If chicken is not from Springer Mountain Farms, choose the best quality available. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Searing and Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

FAQs About Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

A Final Thought

This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is more than a list of ingredients. It’s a small ritual that makes a weeknight feel cared for. It’s the smell whoops of garlic and the sound of the pan that tell you dinner is on. It’s the way my eldest sneaks a forkful while I’m plating, smiling like it’s a secret.

Cooking this dish has taught me to find joy in tiny routines. It’s proof that a little planning and a few good staples can produce something nourishing and beautiful. So the next time you rush in from work or piano or practice, remember that a home-cooked meal is a chain of small choices: a pan on the heat, a patient whisk, and the warmth of people gathered.

I leave you with two helpful reads that inspired parts of my technique and presentation. If you want another take on a similar creamy, garlicky pasta, see this version for inspiration: Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken – Britney Breaks Bread. For a different family-friendly spin on garlic parmesan chicken pasta, this recipe has great tips: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta · Easy Family Recipes.

Thank you for letting me share this recipe with you. May your kitchen be warm, your pan sing, and your table be full.