Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta: The Cozy, Flavor-Packed Dinner You Need Tonight

Is there anything more comforting than a big, twirlable bowl of chicken pasta after a long day? Whether you’re juggling work, errands, or the endless “Mom, what’s for dinner?” chorus, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is here to save your evening. Quick, hearty, and absolutely irresistible, this recipe is your new weeknight hero — trust me, even the picky eaters will come running!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta

First of all, it’s creamy. It’s garlicky. It’s cheesy. Getting hungry yet? This chicken pasta is pure comfort food — and the best part is, it doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Plus, with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, it’s perfect for those “I forgot to plan dinner” nights.

Need more convincing? It’s all made in one skillet — less cleanup, more couch time. And if you love that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, our star ingredient, garlic parmesan chicken pasta, brings it all together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Pro Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan will give you a smoother, silkier sauce. Pre-shredded Parmesan often has anti-caking agents that make melting tricky!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well and set it aside.

2. Sizzle That Chicken

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, getting it ready for the chicken.Add the chicken, giving it a generous seasoning of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until it turns golden and is cooked all the way through. Move the chicken to a plate and set it aside—resist the temptation to sample it just yet, the payoff is coming!

3. Build the Dreamy Sauce

Using the same skillet (hello, fewer dishes), toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving it a good stir. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Cheese It Up

Stir in the Parmesan cheese (and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spicy). Watch as the sauce thickens into creamy, cheesy goodness.

5. Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until that luscious sauce coats every single noodle. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Low and slow wins the race. Don’t crank the heat or your sauce could separate. A gentle simmer is your best friend.
• Pasta water magic: Save a splash of the pasta water before draining — if your sauce feels too thick, a little starchy water will loosen it up beautifully.
• Spice it up: If your family likes it hotter, add more red pepper flakes. If they’re spice-averse, leave them out entirely!

A Little Story from My Kitchen…

The first time I made this garlic parmesan chicken pasta was after one of “those” days — deadlines looming, laundry mountain growing, and one hungry toddler clinging to my leg. I threw this dish together with whatever I had, and the way my family devoured it? Let’s just say it’s been on our regular dinner rotation ever since. Plus, leftovers heat up like a dream for lunch the next day!

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little extra Parmesan for a lighter version, but your sauce will be thinner.

How should I store leftovers?
Store your leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well if that’s what you’ve got in your pantry.

Wrap-Up

If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like pure happiness, this chicken pasta is calling your name. Easy enough for a Tuesday night but delicious enough for a special gathering, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta might just become your new go-to recipe.

Ready to cozy up with a plate? Grab your skillet — it’s time to work a little kitchen magic!And while you’re at it, come hang out with us in the MealsBang Community — we’d love to see your delicious creations!

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