Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into thin cutlets); 1/3 cup Italian style bread crumbs; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more as needed); 16 ounces penne pasta (uncooked); 6 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic (pressed); 2 tablespoons flour; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; chopped parsley (for garnish)

I absolutely adore sharing this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe with friends because it perfectly balances creamy indulgence with savory, garlicky goodness. I love how the tender, crispy chicken cutlets pair beautifully with a luscious garlic parmesan sauce that hugs every piece of penne pasta, creating a comforting and elegant dish that you can whip up in just about 30 minutes. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate and always leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

From the very first bite, I’m captivated by the rich layers of flavor in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. The crispy, golden crust on the chicken offers a delightful texture contrast to the silky, creamy sauce. The garlic flavor is pronounced but never overpowering, mingling seamlessly with the nuttiness of the Parmesan cheese for a taste that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s like my favorite Italian restaurant dish, but made at home without all the fuss.

What really appeals to me about this dish is how straightforward it is to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. I appreciate recipes where I don't have to scramble too much, yet the result feels special enough for a family dinner or even to impress guests. You get perfectly cooked chicken and pasta wrapped in a homemade cream sauce that tastes so luxurious, it feels like a treat without any complicated steps or fancy equipment.

This is my go-to recipe when I want to serve something hearty but elegant. Whether it’s a cozy weekend dinner or a casual get-together, this dish fits right in. It stands out because of its combination of textures—crispy chicken with creamy sauce and al dente pasta—and the freshness from a sprinkle of parsley that brightens it up just before serving. I truly believe it’s a crowd-pleaser anyone can make with confidence.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up shows a spoon holding a serving of creamy pasta with penne noodles at the bottom, covered in a thick white sauce. On top of the pasta is a piece of grilled chicken, golden brown with some black pepper and bits of herbs. The background shows a white bowl filled with more pasta, resting on a white marbled surface. The overall colors are warm with shades of white, beige, and light brown. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, contributing to the texture, flavor, and overall success of the dish. Whether creamy, crunchy, or aromatic, each component is simple yet important for that signature harmony of taste.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Pounded thin for quick, even cooking and a tender finish.
Italian style bread crumbs: Adds crunch and flavor to the chicken coating.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Both in coating and sauce, it provides a savory, nutty depth.
Garlic powder and fresh garlic: Builds layers of garlicky goodness essential to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Key for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Olive oil and butter: For crisping chicken and creating a rich sauce base.
Penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce beautifully thanks to its tubular shape.
Flour: Helps thicken the luxurious cream sauce to perfection.
Heavy cream and chicken broth: The creamy liquid duo that defines the sauce’s texture and flavor.
Chopped parsley: Brightens the final dish with fresh color and a subtle herbaceous note.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. This is the base that soaks up all the delicious sauce later on.

Step 2: Prepare your chicken by either cutting or pounding it into thin cutlets so they cook quickly and evenly. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy inside while having that wonderful crispy crust outside.

Step 3: In a shallow bowl, combine Italian style bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Then coat each piece of chicken generously on both sides with this flavorful mixture for a crunchy crust.

Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken cutlets without crowding the pan. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside, cooking in batches and adding extra oil if necessary.

Step 5: In the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the pressed garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this step imparts a beautifully aromatic base for the sauce.

Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour into the butter and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook this mixture for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste and to help thicken your sauce later.

Step 7: Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth while whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Let it simmer for 60 to 90 seconds until it thickens slightly, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Slowly stir in 2 cups of heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a low simmer. Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan and continue simmering for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce is luscious and creamy.

Step 9: Toss the cooked, drained penne pasta in the sauce so every piece is coated beautifully. You can serve the chicken whole on top or slice and arrange over the pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy this irresistible meal!

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe makes about 8 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or when you want leftovers that reheat well. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 20 minutes, leading to a total time of 30 minutes from start to finish. There is no resting time required, which is great when you want dinner on the table quickly but without sacrificing flavor or quality.

How to Serve This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A black skillet filled with creamy white penne pasta as the base layer, topped with three large pieces of sliced chicken that are golden brown with grill marks, arranged in a triangular shape in the center of the pan. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, and the chicken has a slightly crispy texture that contrasts with the smooth pasta underneath. The pan handles are visible, with a rustic look to the overall presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this pasta hot right from the stove to ensure that creamy sauce remains silky and luscious. Pairing it with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad or garlic roasted vegetables complements the richness perfectly and adds some fresh texture. A crusty French bread or garlic knots also work beautifully to sop up any extra sauce.

For the finishing touch, I always sprinkle a little extra freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley for color and brightness. Presentation-wise, serving the sliced chicken fanned out over the pasta on individual plates creates an inviting look that feels both rustic and refined.

When it comes to drinks, I enjoy pairing this dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio—both cut through the creaminess and enhance the garlic and Parmesan flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon is refreshing and keeps the palate lively. This dish is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, impressive weekend meals, or even small dinner parties where you want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, I’ve found some easy ways to customize this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. For instance, swapping the chicken breast for tender thighs adds a bit more juiciness and flavor if you prefer darker meat. You could also use mozzarella or fontina cheese in your sauce for a different melty texture and taste.

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs work wonderfully with this recipe—and you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for thickening the sauce. Vegans can substitute the chicken with grilled or roasted mushrooms or tofu, use plant-based cream and butter, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to recreate that cheesy depth.

Another variation I love is adding a handful of sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra color and flavor complexity. You can also experiment with cooking the chicken in the sauce gently instead of frying for a braised option that’s ultra-tender. The possibilities are endless, and tweaking it to your liking is part of the fun!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture or flavor. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid condensation making it watery.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, but I recommend freezing the chicken and pasta separately if possible. Store the pasta with sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags, and the cooked chicken wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Both will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. When properly sealed, this helps preserve the texture and flavor for easy reheating later.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this pasta is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and stir frequently to keep it smooth and creamy. I avoid microwaving when possible because the sauce can sometimes separate or become grainy. For the chicken, I reheat it separately in a skillet over medium heat to maintain that crisp crust, then add it back on top of the warmed pasta just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, you can use other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions and drain well before mixing with the sauce.

Is there a way to make the sauce lighter?

Yes, you can substitute half or all of the heavy cream with whole milk or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy, but still flavorful and satisfying.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The best method is using a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe and juicy. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; the meat should be white with clear juices.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely cook the pasta and chicken a few hours in advance and refrigerate separately. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can also make it earlier and gently reheat it. Just combine everything right before serving for best texture.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If your sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a little extra chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently a bit longer to reduce and thicken, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that manages to feel indulgent yet approachable, comforting yet impressive, and I guarantee it will become a favorite for any occasion. From the crispy, flavorful chicken to the velvety garlic parmesan sauce coating tender pasta, every bite feels like a celebration of simple, delicious cooking made with love. Give it a go—you’ll be delighted with the results, and so will everyone you share it with!