If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. I love this recipe because it’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers that cozy, restaurant-worthy taste right from your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a family favorite in no time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: Ready in just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The garlic and parmesan sauce is so silky, you’ll want seconds (and thirds!).
Family Friendly: Even picky eaters in my house beg for this one!
Versatile and Easy to Customize: You can swap chicken for shrimp or add veggies effortlessly.

The image shows two bowls of creamy chicken pasta placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl is filled with creamy white sauce-coated pasta strands intertwined with small pieces of light golden cooked chicken. The pasta is topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and fresh green parsley leaves scattered over the dish. One bowl in the foreground features two golden brown toasted bread pieces resting against the edge. The bowls are beige with a speckled pattern and a spoon is visible inside the bowl closer to the camera. The overall look is warm and inviting, with soft textures and subtle color contrasts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick dinner pasta, restaurant-style pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe truly comes from the balance of simple, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. I always suggest getting fresh garlic and good-quality parmesan for the best flavor.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked linguine pasta strands, three plump raw chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces, a small bowl of fine cornflour, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small peeled yellow onion finely chopped, three whole garlic cloves peeled, a small white bowl with golden cooking oil, a small white bowl filled with rich heavy cream, a small white bowl of bright yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl with strong chicken stock, a small mound of finely grated parmesan cheese, a small bunch of fresh green parsley sprigs, a small white bowl of coarse black pepper, and a small pile of salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, 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 - Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick dinner pasta, restaurant-style pasta

Linguine: I love linguine here because its shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Chicken breasts: Make sure they’re trimmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cornflour (cornstarch): This is my secret for creating a light, silky coating on the chicken before frying.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning – don’t skimp!
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the chicken without overpowering it.
Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying the chicken.
Onion: Finely chopped, it softens into the sauce giving gentle sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable here—it makes all the difference.
Chicken stock: I often make mine with cubes and hot water, but homemade works wonders too.
Double (heavy) cream: This creates that rich, luscious sauce everyone raves about.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness of the cream and parmesan.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for easy melting and that sharp, nutty flavor.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and beautiful color as a finishing touch.

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.

Variations

This garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is a fantastic base for customization. I often tweak it depending on what’s in the fridge, and I encourage you to play around with it too.

Swap the Protein: When I’m feeling adventurous, I’ve replaced chicken with succulent shrimp—just cook until pink and tender.
Add Veggies: My favorite additions are spinach or mushrooms sautéed with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it Spicy: If you like heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red chili flakes when you add the garlic for a gentle kick.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative to keep the creamy texture without dairy.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking your linguine according to the package instructions. I always reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining because it’s a game-changer when you want to loosen up the sauce later. This starch-rich water helps the sauce cling beautifully to every strand of pasta.

Step 2: Prep and Sear the Chicken

While your pasta is cooking, toss your chopped chicken breasts in a bowl with cornflour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This step might seem small, but it helps create a slight crispy coating that locks in juicy tenderness.

Heat your oil over medium heat in a large frying pan. When it’s hot, lay in the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. One trick I learned is not to crowd the pan so the chicken sears instead of steams.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a warm bowl and keep it aside — don’t wash the pan just yet.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same pan, if there’s not enough oil left, add a splash more and toss in your finely chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion starts to soften—this sweetness adds a lovely depth.

Add the minced garlic with salt and pepper and cook just for about a minute—don’t let the garlic burn, or it’ll get bitter!

Pour in the chicken stock and cream, bringing the mixture to a boil. Turn it down to simmer gently for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten everything up.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken

Now’s the fun part! Add your drained linguine to the pan and sprinkle over the grated parmesan. Using tongs, gently toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to get your perfect consistency.

Finally, fold the cooked chicken pieces back in and stir for another minute just to warm everything through. Then, take the pan off the heat — you don’t want to overcook the cream or your chicken!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Dish out generous portions into bowls, then top each with freshly chopped parsley, a grind of black pepper, and an extra shower of parmesan. These finishing touches really elevate the dish, making it both pretty and even more flavorful.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Reserve Pasta Water: I can’t stress this enough—adding a little pasta water helps the sauce stick and stay silky without getting gloopy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches if needed helps it brown beautifully instead of steaming.
Fresh Garlic Over Garlic Powder: While garlic powder seasons the chicken, fresh garlic in the sauce ensures that vibrant zing we all crave.
Use Quality Parmesan: Grate your own cheese—it melts better and boosts flavor far beyond pre-grated versions.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of creamy pasta shows thick spaghetti strands coated in a smooth, light beige sauce. Mixed in are small chunks of grilled light brown chicken, with specks of black pepper and green parsley leaves scattered on top. A white piece of bread with a golden-brown crust rests on the side of the plate. A black fork is twirling some noodles and chicken. The plate has a rustic look with a speckled edge and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick dinner pasta, restaurant-style pasta

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a fresh, peppery note and a splash of green that makes everything pop. For some extra flair, a little lemon zest or red pepper flakes on top works wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus also make great sides to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate this pasta in shallow bowls with a delicate drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper. Adding a few whole parsley sprigs or edible flowers on top turns it into a fancy-looking dish that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and pasta together so the flavors meld, but be aware the pasta might soak up more sauce overnight. I recommend reheating gently to avoid drying.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta when meal prepping. The cream sauce freezes okay if stored well, but pasta tends to get mushy when thawed, so I prefer freezing without the pasta for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce back up. Stir often and avoid high heat to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy without curdling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully because it holds the sauce well, you can use fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as per the pasta instructions.
What can I substitute for double cream in this recipe?

If you don’t have double (heavy) cream, full-fat coconut milk can work for a dairy-free twist, or you can mix milk with a little butter to create a similar richness. Just note that the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the linguine for gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just ensure your chicken stock and other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
How can I make this dish spicier without overwhelming the garlic flavor?

Lightly sprinkle crushed red chili flakes into the sauce after adding the cream. This way, you get a gentle, warming heat without overpowering the garlic parmesan goodness.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can chop the chicken and prep the garlic and onion ahead of time to save a bit of cooking day hassle. The sauce is best cooked fresh for ideal creaminess, but you can warm leftovers gently as needed.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate. I discovered this combo when I wanted a quick meal that felt special—and it has never let me down. You’ll enjoy how the luscious sauce coats every bite, and how easy it is to whip up on any night. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation, just like I did!