If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet elegant dinner that’s surprisingly quick to whip up, you’re going to adore this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent, creamy, and packed with flavor, but doesn’t keep you chained to the kitchen – a total win in my book. I love this recipe because it’s fuss-free but delivers that rich, garlicky, cheesy goodness that everyone swoons over. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become your go-to weeknight savior.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Creamy Comfort: The garlic parmesan sauce is rich without being heavy, making every bite irresistible.
Tender Chicken: Cornflour-coating keeps the chicken juicy and beautifully golden.
Versatile Flavor: You can easily tweak the herbs and add-ins for your own spin.

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 garlic pasta, easy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipe, cheesy chicken pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe calls for some classic kitchen staples that come together to form an absolutely dreamy sauce and tender chicken. I always recommend using fresh garlic and good-quality parmesan because they really elevate this dish beyond ordinary.

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 garlic pasta, easy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipe, cheesy chicken pasta

Linguine: A flat pasta that holds up well with creamy sauces without getting soggy.
Chicken breasts: Using bite-sized pieces helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
Cornflour (cornstarch): This is a little trick I discovered that gives the chicken a wonderful light crust and locks in moisture.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, deep garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic.
Oil: For frying the chicken—choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola.
Onion: Finely chopped, it forms a sweet base for the sauce.
Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for that punch of fresh flavor.
Chicken stock: Concentrated flavor that helps build a savory sauce foundation. I use water plus stock cubes when I’m short on time.
Double (heavy) cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy; trust me, don’t skimp here.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for melting smoothly into the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.

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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.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add veggies, swap proteins, or lighten it up, feel free to get creative based on your taste and what you have on hand.

Veggie Boost: I sometimes toss in sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color; it’s a great way to sneak in greens.
Protein Swap: Using shrimp instead of chicken works wonderfully too—just reduce the cooking time since shrimp cooks fast.
Dairy-Free Option: I swapped the cream and parmesan for coconut milk and nutritional yeast once, and though it changed the flavor, it still made a tasty creamy sauce.
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a lovely kick that my family actually fights over.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your linguine according to the package instructions. I always salt the water well—it seasons the pasta itself. When it’s al dente and ready, drain it but don’t forget to scoop out and save about a cup of that starchy pasta water. This little liquid gold is perfect for loosening up your sauce later if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta bubbles away, toss your chopped chicken breasts with cornflour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This step really seals in the juices and helps get a lovely golden crust on the chicken when fried. Heat oil in a large pan, then add the chicken pieces. Fry over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 6-7 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

If you don’t have much oil left in the pan after frying the chicken, add a little splash more. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Then add the minced garlic plus a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking just for a minute to release those amazing aromas without burning the garlic.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock and double cream, then bring the mixture up to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. The cream and stock combine to make this sauce silky and rich. Finish with a splash of lemon juice—that little zing balances all the richness beautifully.

Step 5: Toss Pasta, Cheese, and Chicken Together

By now, your pasta should be ready to join the party. Add it directly to the pan with the sauce, then sprinkle over the grated parmesan. Using tongs, I like to gently lift and drop the pasta into the sauce so every strand gets coated evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. If your sauce feels too thick, add a bit of that reserved pasta water in small splashes until you get the perfect consistency. Finally, stir the cooked chicken back in, warm through for a minute, and then turn off the heat.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns instead of steams—that’s the secret to getting that crisp exterior.
Reserve Pasta Water: I can’t stress this enough—saving pasta water is a game-changer for adjusting sauce texture and helping it cling to the pasta.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate it yourself—it melts more evenly and has a far superior flavor than pre-grated versions.
Watch the Garlic: Adding garlic after the onions have softened prevents burning it, which can give a bitter taste.

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 garlic pasta, easy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipe, cheesy chicken pasta

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it brightens the plate and adds a mild peppery note. A little extra cracked black pepper and a dash of extra parmesan on top never hurt either, especially if you’re serving family and friends who love a strong hit of cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I typically serve this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is an obvious, crowd-pleasing side that takes this comfort meal to another level, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this dish in shallow bowls, swirling the pasta neatly and topping with a small sprig of parsley and a parmesan crisp (those little baked cheese wafers). It instantly feels elevated and Instagram-worthy, plus guests love the crunchy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which I actually enjoy, but the sauce can thicken, so keep in mind you might want to loosen it with a little milk or cream when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing works okay, but creamy pasta dishes tend to separate a bit after thawing. If you want to freeze, I recommend doing so without the parmesan and fresh parsley, adding them fresh after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back that silky sauce consistency. Microwaving is fine in a pinch, but stirring occasionally makes a big difference in heating evenly without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of linguine?

Absolutely! While linguine is perfect because of its flat shape that holds sauce well, you can swap it for fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti depending on what you have. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan substitute. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’s still creamy and delicious.
How can I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Coating the chicken with cornflour before frying helps create a light crust that locks in moisture. Also, frying over medium heat to cook evenly without burning the outside makes a big difference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and chop ingredients in advance, but I recommend cooking the pasta and assembling just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Leftovers store well, though, so you can cook once and enjoy multiple meals.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels comforting like a warm hug and sophisticated enough to serve to guests without stress. I honestly love how it turns out every single time—the sauce is silky, the chicken juicy, and the flavors perfectly balanced. I hope you try it soon and make it your own because it’s absolutely worth every delicious bite. Let me know how it goes—I have a feeling your family will be asking for seconds as much as mine does!