Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that brings everyone to the table without draining your energy? This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is just the ticket. With tender chicken, bold garlic, and melty parmesan, it’s a healthy meal plan hero disguised as comfort food.
Whether you’re juggling weeknight chaos or planning your easy meal prep dinners, this creamy pasta delivers.
Think of it as your go-to “girl dinner idea” meets Skinnytaste-inspired recipe, with a cozy vibe that works beautifully for families, picky eaters, or even Weight Watchers recipes dinner seekers.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup
- Uses simple ingredients, perfect for healthy foods and pantry cooking
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting without being too heavy
- Kid-friendly and makes a perfect meal prep pasta lunch the next day
- Gorgeous when served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra parmesan
Plus, it’s flexible enough to pair with dishes like these cozy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
or this family-favorite Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
.
Ingredients for This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 8 oz dried cavatappi or penne pasta – hearty and holds the sauce
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast – sliced thin for faster cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for cooking and flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – bold, aromatic flavor
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – freshly grated melts beautifully
- Salt & black pepper – to season every layer
- Fresh parsley, chopped – adds color and freshness
- 2 ½ to 3 cups water – enough to cover pasta while cooking
These ingredients work beautifully with Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps on your weekly healthy meal plan rotation.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
- Prep the chicken: Slice or pound chicken breasts until ½-inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 3–5 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same pan, add more olive oil and garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the pasta: Add pasta, a generous pinch of salt, and just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Stir often for 9–11 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the water evaporates.
- Finish the dish: Lower heat, stir in parmesan until melted and creamy. Slice chicken, return to skillet, and top with parsley.
This stovetop method makes it a standout for easy meal recipes with fewer dishes to clean!
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This pasta plays nice with all kinds of sides. Here are some family-friendly combinations:
- Crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or air-fried zucchini for added healthy foods
- Warm garlic bread or low-carb flatbreads
- A small cup of tomato basil soup for comforting depth
- Try alongside this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole for a cozy spread
Easy Customizations for Every Craving
Swap the protein: Use shrimp, ground turkey, or even leftover rotisserie chicken
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes with the garlic
Add veggies: Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work great
Go low-carb: Substitute with chickpea or lentil pasta
Gluten-free version: Use your favorite GF pasta (check cook time)
It’s a great option to add to your Weight Watchers recipes or Skinnytaste recipes list.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk on the stove or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
This pasta holds up well for meal prep pasta containers, just keep the garnish fresh for serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook the chicken, it keeps cooking off the heat
- Stir pasta often during boiling to prevent sticking
- Use freshly grated parmesan for that luscious creamy melt
- Let some starchy pasta water remain for the sauce to emulsify
Finish with fresh parsley, it lifts the whole dish
Pair these tips with our creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for an even richer flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using pre-shredded powdered cheese: It clumps and won’t melt smoothly
Boiling too much water: You’ll lose that starchy goodness that makes the sauce creamy
Skipping seasoning layers: Salt every step, chicken, water, and sauce
Overcrowding the skillet: Use a wide pan so pasta cooks evenly
Not testing pasta doneness: Bite a noodle, it should be firm but not crunchy
Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Boneless skinless thighs add great flavor. Just adjust cook time for thickness.
What side dishes go well with garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
A crisp salad, roasted veggies, or garlic toast balance the creamy texture perfectly.
Can I make this recipe without parmesan?
Sure! Try Pecorino Romano or a blend of mozzarella and nutritional yeast for a different flavor.
How long do I cook the pasta for this method?
Usually 9–11 minutes, but always check the box for the al dente time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is everything a busy cook dreams of, fast, flavorful, flexible, and totally satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for two or prepping your weeknight easy meal prep dinners, this one-skillet wonder delivers every time.
Now go grab your skillet, and let’s make dinner delicious!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
This easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is a quick, creamy, and comforting dish made with simple ingredients like chicken breast, garlic, parmesan cheese, and pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights, this stovetop recipe comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prep the chicken
Place chicken on a cutting board and slice horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.2. Cook the chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown, 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover.3. Sauté the garlic
Add remaining oil to the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!). Toss in garlic and stir for 30 seconds, just until it starts to turn golden and fragrant.4. Simmer the pasta
Add pasta, salt, pepper, and just enough water to cover most of the noodles. Bring to a boil. Stir frequently and cook uncovered for 9–11 minutes, until pasta is al dente and most of the water has evaporated.5. Make it creamy
Reduce heat to low. Add parmesan and stir vigorously until it melts into a smooth, silky sauce. Return sliced chicken to the pan. Top with parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1.5 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 470kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 95mg32%
- Sodium 380mg16%
- Potassium 490mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use a wide skillet to help the pasta cook evenly.
- Stir pasta often so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Fresh parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
- For extra flavor, season the pasta water like you would for boiling.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or milk.
