Thank you so much for visiting! If you’re looking for a comforting, family-approved dinner that’s loaded with tender chicken, rich Parmesan flavor, and cozy pasta goodness — you’re in the right place. This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, hearty, and simple enough for busy weeknights but tasty enough to serve to guests.
We make this at least once a month in my house — and every time I wonder why I don’t make it more often. It’s THAT good.
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What Is Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines juicy pan-seared (or baked) chicken with pasta tossed in a creamy, Parmesan-packed sauce. It’s kind of like the lovechild of fettuccine Alfredo and chicken Parmesan — minus the breading and fuss. You get bold garlic flavor, rich cheese, and tender chicken in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot or one pan (minimal cleanup!)
- Rich garlic-Parmesan flavor in every bite
- Juicy, pan-seared or baked chicken
- Creamy without being heavy
- 30-minute dinner, start to finish
- Kid-friendly and guest-worthy
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a cozy Alfredo-style sauce — but with even more cheese and a savory garlic kick. The chicken soaks up all that flavor, and the pasta is coated in silky, creamy Parmesan goodness. It’s comforting, filling, and completely satisfying.
Benefits of This Pasta Dish
- Fast, comforting dinner
- Great for meal prep
- Easily customizable
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Crowd-pleasing (even for picky eaters!)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot (for pasta)
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Grater (for fresh Parmesan — trust me, it’s worth it!)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Make it lighter: Use half & half or whole milk instead of cream
- Gluten-free: Sub GF pasta and use GF flour for thickening
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce
- Veggie boost: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms
- No meat: Use crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken
How to Make Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes per side). Remove and slice or cube.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in broth and cream, stirring constantly until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
Step 4: Add Parmesan & Combine
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the pan. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes. Add a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal!
What to Serve with Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother and tastes better
- Don’t overcook the chicken — aim for juicy, golden, and just done
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before making the sauce
- Want extra sauce? Add a splash more cream or broth at the end
- Let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes before serving so it soaks in the flavor
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Not ideal due to dairy, but you can freeze just the chicken
- Reheat: Add a splash of cream or broth and reheat in a skillet over low heat, or microwave in 30-second bursts
General Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy weeknight dinner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred 2 cups and stir into the sauce with the pasta for an even quicker version.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — store the components separately and reheat gently. Add a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work great. Choose something that holds the sauce well.
Conclusion: A Comfort Classic You’ll Make Again & Again
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those simple-but-special meals that you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation. It’s quick, creamy, and full of cheesy, garlicky goodness — pure comfort in a bowl.
You’ll Also Love:
- Garlic Butter Bread Rolls – Perfect side for saucy pasta
- Cucumber Mango Avocado Salad – Bright, fresh balance
- Ginger Soy Glazed Cod – Another quick protein-forward dinner
- No-Knead Artisan Bread – Rustic and great for mopping up sauce
- Apple Fritter Bread – For dessert, obviously
If you try this Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I’d LOVE to see it!
Tag @easyrecipesteps on Pinterest or Instagram and leave a review — your delicious photos seriously make my day!
Nutritional Info (approx. per serving):
- Calories: 520
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 27g
- Protein: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes per side). Remove and slice or cube.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in broth and cream, stirring constantly until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the pan. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes. Add a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal!