Easy, Creamy & Family-Approved
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cost per Serving: Under $4
- Calories per Serving: ~530 kcal
If you’ve ever searched for a chicken and pasta recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and effortless, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is going straight to the top of your list.
We started making this on a weeknight when I was too tired to do anything complicated — and now it’s on regular rotation. It’s cozy, cheesy, and rich in all the right ways, but still comes together in 30 minutes or less. Even better? The kids devour it.
With tender bites of chicken, a velvety parmesan garlic sauce, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, this dish feels like a cross between classic chicken parm pasta and your favorite creamy chicken parmesan recipe — no frying required.
So whether you’re learning how to make chicken parmesan for the first time, or just want a twist on your usual chicken pasta, this recipe is a guaranteed win.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
The creamy garlic sauce does all the heavy lifting.
With store-bought parmesan garlic sauce, you get rich, slow-simmered flavor — no need to build a sauce from scratch. It’s your shortcut to “tastes like I worked all afternoon” results.
The chicken stays juicy and tender.
Cutting the chicken into small pieces means they cook quickly, brown nicely, and soak up all that garlicky, cheesy sauce. No dry chicken here — just golden, flavorful bites in every forkful.
Cream cheese makes it extra silky.
A little cream cheese melted into the sauce gives it that luxurious, velvety finish. It clings to the pasta, wraps around the chicken, and turns this dish into pure comfort.
It’s quick, comforting, and picky-eater approved.
There’s nothing complicated here — just a creamy, cheesy, chicken pasta that works for toddlers, teens, and tired adults alike. No green bits (unless you want them). No complaints at the table.
Perfect for nights when you need dinner fast.
Whether it’s a Monday at 6:30 or a weekend when you want something cozy without the work, this dish delivers. One skillet, no fuss, all flavor.
How to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
You will need
For exact amounts and full instructions, scroll down to the full recipe card below.
Parmesan Garlic Sauce:
This is where all the flavor starts. A ready-to-pour parmesan garlic sauce brings creamy texture and deep, savory flavor with zero extra effort. Go with a high-quality store-bought brand to make this dish both fast and foolproof.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts:
Lean, versatile, and quick to cook. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they sear quickly and soak up all that garlicky goodness. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work just as well here.
Cream Cheese:
Cut into chunks so it melts more evenly into the sauce. Cream cheese gives the pasta that extra silky richness — it’s what takes the creaminess to the next level.
Parmesan Cheese:
Use freshly grated if you can. It blends into the sauce and gives that nutty, salty finish you expect from any good parmesan garlic chicken pasta.
Dry Pasta:
Any shape works — penne, rotini, shells, even spaghetti. Choose what your family loves or what’s in your pantry. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente before tossing it with the sauce.
Parsley & Red Pepper Flakes:
The final touches. Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, while red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick. You can leave them out if you’re cooking for sensitive palates — it’s totally optional.
For exact amounts and full instructions, scroll down to the full recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start with the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your pasta (any shape works!) and cook until al dente. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water — you might need it later to loosen the sauce. Drain and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cube and cook the chicken.
While the pasta cooks, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the chicken and season it with a little salt and pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get some golden color, then stir and cook until fully cooked through — about 6 to 8 minutes total. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the creamy base.
Lower the heat and add the cream cheese pieces directly into the same skillet. As they start to melt, pour in your parmesan garlic sauce and stir gently until everything is smooth and combined. Add the grated parmesan cheese and continue stirring. The sauce will thicken and get ultra creamy — that’s what we want.
Step 4: Bring it all together.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, followed by the chicken. Toss everything gently to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you get the consistency you like.
Step 5: Finish and serve.
Plate the pasta and top with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and just a touch of heat. Serve warm, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips
Cut the chicken into even pieces.
Smaller, evenly sized cubes cook faster and more evenly — plus, they get that perfect golden sear without overcooking. Think “tender bites” in every forkful.
Use room-temperature cream cheese.
Cold cream cheese takes forever to melt and can make your sauce lumpy. If you forget to set it out, just microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften.
Don’t skip the pasta water.
That starchy water you saved? It’s your best friend if the sauce gets too thick. Add it a splash at a time to get the texture just right — creamy but never soupy.
Grate your own parmesan.
Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly. Freshly grated parmesan melts like a dream and gives the sauce that rich, nutty finish.
Make it your own.
Toss in a handful of spinach or steamed broccoli if you want some greens. Want a spicy kick? A pinch of chili flakes in the sauce adds just the right heat without overwhelming the dish.
Leftovers reheat like a charm.
Store extras in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. It’s just as good the next day — maybe even better.
Perfect Pairings
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is rich, creamy, and satisfying all on its own — but if you want to build it into a full dinner (or just feel a little fancy), here are some easy sides that pair perfectly:
A crisp green salad
Think romaine or baby spinach with a lemon vinaigrette. Something light and fresh helps balance the richness of the sauce without stealing the spotlight.
Garlic bread or focaccia
Because yes, you’ll want something to mop up every last drop of that creamy parmesan sauce. Store-bought or homemade — it doesn’t need to be complicated.
Roasted vegetables
Pop some broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini in the oven while the pasta cooks. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt is all you need.
Steamed peas or green beans
If you’re in a rush, frozen peas or beans can go from freezer to plate in 5 minutes. Bonus: the kids won’t even flinch.
A light dessert
Fresh berries, yogurt with honey, or even a square of dark chocolate. Just a little something to round things out — no baking required.
Love creamy, garlicky flavors? Don’t miss this reader-favorite: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta — a one-pan dinner that’s just as comforting and weeknight-ready!
When to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
There’s no wrong time for a big bowl of garlic parmesan chicken pasta, but here’s when we find ourselves turning to it again and again:
Weeknights when you’re running low on energy
It’s fast, uses pantry staples, and feels like something you’d get at a cozy Italian restaurant — without leaving the house.
Lazy weekends with the family
You can linger a little longer in the kitchen, maybe throw on some music, and everyone leaves the table full and happy.
Meal prep for the week ahead
This pasta holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or quick heat-up dinner.
Dinner with friends or guests
It looks and tastes impressive, but you won’t be stuck cooking while everyone else is chatting at the table.
Late-night cravings
Warm, cheesy, garlicky… let’s just say this has become a very popular midnight snack around here more than once.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
1. Large Nonstick Skillet
A deep, nonstick skillet is perfect for searing the chicken and building the creamy parmesan sauce all in one pan. It makes cleanup easier and helps the sauce stay smooth.
2. Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Ideal for stirring the cream cheese and parmesan sauce gently without scratching your pan. It also makes folding in the pasta and chicken super easy — no mess, no sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Absolutely. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay lean, you can easily use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just make sure to trim the fat and cut them into even pieces.
What kind of pasta works best with garlic parmesan sauce?
You really can’t go wrong here. Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells are great for catching sauce in every bite, but long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti works beautifully too. Use what you have.
Is garlic parmesan chicken pasta spicy?
Not at all — unless you add red pepper flakes, which are totally optional. You can leave them out for a completely kid-friendly version, or add more if you love a little heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats really well. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back the creamy texture.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, and it’s one of the things that makes this recipe so fast and weeknight-friendly. Choose a good-quality parmesan garlic sauce, and let it do the heavy lifting — you’ll still get that rich, homemade flavor without the extra steps.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the perfect quick weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken, a velvety sauce, and your favorite pasta all come together in one comforting dish — kid-approved and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 oz parmesan garlic sauce (store-bought)
- 8 oz cream cheese (cut into pieces)
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 10 oz dry pasta of your choice (cooked and drained)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- olive oil (for cooking)
- fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water (optional, to loosen the sauce)
Instructions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to low. In the same skillet, add the cream cheese and the parmesan garlic sauce. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and mix until fully incorporated. Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Serve the pasta hot, plated with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. It’s rich, creamy, and absolutely comforting—perfect for a cozy dinner.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Freshly grated parmesan gives the best melt and flavor.
Add spinach or broccoli for a veggie boost.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 530
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 36
Keywords: chicken and pasta recipe, chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken parmesan recipe, garlic parmesan chicken pasta, kid-friendly, one pan meal, quick dinner
i love
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