Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect creamy and cheesy dish to satisfy your cravings. With tender chicken, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s comfort food at its best. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners!

The combination of tender, seasoned chicken, savory garlic, and a creamy parmesan sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta is downright irresistible. Whether you’re serving it to your family or guests, it’s sure to be a hit. Let me show you how to make this amazing dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a must-try! It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and pasta coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that makes cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta or planning to make garlic parmesan chicken pasta crock pot, this versatile recipe never disappoints. You’ll love how comforting and satisfying it is with every bite!

Easy and best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make creamy this recipe:

3 thin-sliced chicken breasts (or boneless skinless chicken thighs)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
1 can full-fat coconut milk (or 1 ½ cups heavy cream)
¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
16 oz penne pasta
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
5 oz baby spinach

Ingredient Tips:

Substitute penne with fettuccine, rotini, or spaghetti if you prefer.
Use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano gives the best flavor.
Add veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more color and texture.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

How to Make This Recipes

1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing.

3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté the garlic and lemon juice for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until lightly browned. Gradually pour in the coconut milk or cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

4: Combine and Serve

Turn off the heat, stir in the parmesan, red pepper flakes, and spinach until the spinach is wilted. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly. Top with the sliced chicken and sprinkle more parmesan on top if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with a side of warm garlic bread or a fresh arugula salad. A glass of chilled white wine also pairs beautifully with the dish!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store your pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely! Any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine works well. Just cook it al dente for the best texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Make it ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and thicken the sauce with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Of course! Try adding cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Pair it with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipes

More Delicious Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish never disappoints. From the tender chicken to the rich, garlic parmesan sauce, every bite is a hit. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or turning into a delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake. Try it today and impress your loved ones!

Did you make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Pinterest with your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating if you loved it!