Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 medium chicken breasts (approx. 20 ounces); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Olive oil for drizzling; 16 oz. penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large shallot, chopped (about 1/2-3/4 cup); 4-6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup flour; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups half and half (or milk whisked with 1 tablespoon cornstarch or evaporated milk mixed with 2 teaspoons cornstarch); 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (powder, crushed cubes, or base); 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 1/2 cups (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, packed (use micro grater); Fresh parsley for garnish, optional; Fresh lemon juice, optional

There’s something about the rich, creamy flavor of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe that feels like a big, warm hug on your plate. Every bite combines tender chicken, garlic-infused sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan — a winning combo you’ll want to make again and again.

A large white pan filled with creamy white sauce-coated penne pasta, speckled with black pepper and green herbs, creating a smooth and rich textured base layer. On top, several slices of grilled chicken with a golden brown, slightly charred crust are arranged in two layered rows across the middle of the pasta. The chicken is sprinkled with grated cheese and small green parsley bits, adding a touch of color and texture contrast. A metal spoon with a golden handle dips into the right bottom side of the pasta, partly under the chicken slices. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. 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

I’ve made this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe countless times for family dinners and casual get-togethers. It’s become a staple because it’s both easy and irresistible — a real crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Incredible Flavor: The garlic and Parmesan blend offers a comforting yet sophisticated taste that never gets boring.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything needed right in your pantry and fridge for a last-minute meal.
One-Pan Sauce: Making the sauce in the same skillet as the chicken means all those browned bits add deep flavor without extra effort.
Customizable: You can tweak spice levels, swap pasta types, or add veggies to suit your tastes and mood.

A close-up view of a white pan filled with creamy penne pasta covered in a thick, smooth white sauce with small green herb flakes scattered throughout. On one side, there are several browned chicken strips with a slightly crispy texture, topped with small green parsley bits and grated white cheese. The pasta and chicken are next to each other, with a gold spoon partially visible within the creamy pasta. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe works in harmony to create its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken. Picking fresh Parmesan and quality chicken makes a big difference, plus don’t skip the shallots—they add a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic perfectly.

Flat lay of two medium raw chicken breasts with a light drizzle of olive oil, small piles of salt, black peppercorns, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika arranged beside them, a simple white ceramic bowl with uncooked penne pasta, a small white ceramic bowl with olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with unsalted butter cubes, a single large shallot whole and chopped on a white ceramic plate, several whole garlic cloves next to minced garlic in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, a small pile of flour on white ceramic surface, a small white ceramic bowl with low-sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy half and half, a small white ceramic bowl with crushed chicken bouillon powder, small piles of dried parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano, a small pile of salt, a small pile of black pepper, a white ceramic bowl with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, and a halved lemon showing fresh juice droplets, all carefully spaced and symmetrically arranged, 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: Pounding the chicken thin ensures quick cooking and tender bites every time.
Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika: This simple spice mix adds depth and a touch of warmth without overpowering the dish.
Olive oil and butter: Using a combination adds richness and helps develop a golden crust on the chicken.
Penne pasta: Its shape holds onto more sauce than you’d expect—perfect for every cheesy bite.
Shallots: Their mild onion flavor keeps things balanced and fragrant.
Garlic: A star player here, delivering that signature punch that brightens the whole dish.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat contrast to the creamy sauce—just enough to wake up your palate.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect, velvety texture.
Chicken broth and half-and-half: These form the creamy base, making the sauce both smooth and flavorful.
Chicken bouillon and dried herbs: Boosts the savory goodness and adds complexity without extra work.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Fresh cheese melts beautifully and provides that authentic sharp, nutty taste.
Fresh parsley and lemon juice (optional): Brighten the final flavors and provide a pop of color for 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 joys of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how adaptable it is. I love throwing in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra color and flavor, but you can easily switch up the protein or pasta shape to fit your pantry or preferences.

Variation: I once swapped chicken for shrimp and added a squeeze of fresh lemon—it was zesty and delicious, perfect for a lighter summer dinner.
Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and double up on mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty meatless version.
Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like that extra kick.
Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano or a mix of Parmesan and Asiago for a different cheesy twist.

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

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Don’t skip the gentle pounding to even out the thickness—it helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. I usually cover them with plastic wrap and use the bottom of a heavy pan if I don't have a meat mallet handy.

Step 2: Season Generously and Let It Rest

Mix your salt, pepper, onion and garlic powders, and paprika in a bowl. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, drizzle with olive oil, then press the spice blend onto both sides. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 10-15 minutes while you prep the rest—this helps the flavors soak in.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Cook the chicken cutlets 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (160°F internal temperature). Don’t overcrowd your pan—if needed, cook in batches for a better crust. Let the chicken rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Step 4: Sauté Shallots and Garlic in Chicken Drippings

Keep the skillet with those amazing drippings—add butter then toss in chopped shallots. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender and translucent, scraping up those flavorful brown bits from the chicken. Then stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for just 30 seconds—don’t let the garlic burn or it’ll turn bitter.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir vigorously for about a minute to cook out the raw taste—you'll notice the mixture thickening. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half over low heat until smooth, then add chicken bouillon, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Increase heat slightly and simmer until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 6: Melt in the Parmesan Cheese

Turn the heat to low and fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese bit by bit until it melts into a luscious, velvety sauce. Using freshly grated cheese, not pre-shredded, makes all the difference in smoothness and flavor.

Step 7: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, then nestle in the sliced chicken. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the perfect consistency. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste. For a little brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top really lifts the whole dish.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe shine. Whether it’s the way you handle the chicken or how you build the sauce, these tips really took my version from good to unforgettable.

Don’t skip resting your chicken: It locks in juices and keeps every bite tender rather than dry.
Use fresh Parmesan: It melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents.
Reserve pasta water: That starchy liquid can rescue your sauce if it gets too thick or clings too heavily.
Scrape chicken drippings: Those brown bits are packed with flavor—don’t waste them when sautéing your shallots and garlic.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with finely chopped fresh parsley—it adds a burst of green and a fresh note to the creamy richness. Sometimes a little extra Parmesan on top or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually serve a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Garlic bread on the side fits perfectly for soaking up any leftover sauce, making the meal feel nice and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with edible flowers and a sprig of rosemary. It’s a lovely way to turn a comfort dish into something a little fancier without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to add just a splash of water or milk when reheating to freshen up the sauce’s texture.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing this pasta in portioned containers, though the sauce sometimes thickens more upon freezing. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove with a bit of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed to preserve the creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving on high, which can cause uneven heating and drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta shape in this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great for catching sauce, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just adjust cooking times so your pasta is perfectly al dente.

What can I substitute for half-and-half if I don’t have it?

You can mix whole milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it, or use evaporated milk combined with cornstarch as a good alternative. Either will help you get a creamy sauce without half-and-half.

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness and letting it rest after cooking are key. Also, don’t overcook — aim for about 160°F internal temperature, then rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine and warm gently on the stove with cooked pasta. It’s a great make-ahead meal option.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. I always look forward to making it and sharing it with folks around my table, knowing it’ll bring smiles and satisfied sighs. Give it a try—you'll love how easy and comforting it is!