If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, garlicky sauce clings to perfectly al dente pasta and tender, crispy chicken cutlets coated with a flavorful parmesan and breadcrumb crust. This dish is an absolute showstopper for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends, promising layers of rich, savory goodness in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, it will soon become one of your go-to meals for any pasta night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a light beige crumbly mixture that looks dry and grainy with some small white bits scattered throughout. In the center, there is a slight indentation showing the texture clearly. The image is plain with soft natural light and a cozy, rustic feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together with simple yet powerful ingredients that work beautifully to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component has a role in building that perfect balance of creamy sauce, crispy chicken, and tender pasta.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thin cutlets cook quickly and provide a juicy, meaty base for the dish.
Italian style bread crumbs: Add a crunchy crust and herbaceous notes to the chicken.
Grated parmesan cheese: Used in both the coating and sauce for a rich umami punch.
Garlic powder and fresh garlic: A double hit of garlic flavor that is essential to the dish’s aromatic appeal.
Olive oil and butter: Provide flavorful fat needed for crisping chicken and making a luscious sauce.
Penne pasta: Its tube shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
Flour: Thickens the garlic cream sauce without any clumps.
Heavy cream and chicken broth: Combine to create a silky, savory sauce base.
Salt, pepper, and chopped parsley: Enhance flavor and add bright finishing touches.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. This ensures the pasta retains a little firmness so it won’t get mushy once mixed with the sauce later. Drain and set aside while you work on the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and cut or pound them into thin cutlets for quick, even cooking. In a bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Coat each chicken cutlet generously on both sides with this mixture. This gives the chicken a deliciously crispy, flavorful crust that’s a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Cutlets

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering hot, place the chicken cutlets flat into the pan without overcrowding (work in batches if needed). Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Removing the chicken once cooked perfectly seals in juiciness and keeps the crust crisp. Set the cooked chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in pressed garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a smooth roux—this thickening base is key to the sauce’s creamy texture. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to keep the sauce lump-free, then simmer for 60 to 90 seconds until it thickens. Add salt, pepper, and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let it gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to perfection.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked penne pasta directly in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce in the skillet until every piece is well coated. This way, the pasta absorbs the richness of the sauce, making every forkful decadent and flavorful.

Step 6: Serve with Chicken

Serve the pasta warm, topped with whole or sliced crispy chicken cutlets and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a bright, vibrant finish. Everything combines effortlessly to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy pasta topped with several slices of golden-brown grilled chicken. The chicken slices are placed on top, with a slightly crispy texture and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Underneath, the pasta is coated with a light cream sauce, giving it a smooth and shiny appearance. On one side of the bowl, there is a small fresh green salad that includes leafy lettuce and some red vegetable pieces. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness. You can also sprinkle on extra grated parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for visual appeal and extra flavor depth. A little crushed red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick if you like spice.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette brightens the plate and balances the creaminess. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement it beautifully, adding texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider plating the chicken cutlets neatly over a mound of pasta with the sauce spooned around the edges. Individual ramekins or bake the pasta briefly with extra parmesan for a golden crust on top. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to wow guests with presentation as well as flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and pasta combined so the sauce continues to infuse the noodles overnight, enhancing the flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers, but for best texture, freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken cutlets. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in freezer bags. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it feels too thick. For the chicken, warm in the oven or microwave until heated through to maintain crispness.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is recommended because its shape holds the creamy sauce well, fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle will work just as nicely.

Is it possible to make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free bread crumbs and gluten-free flour to make the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Make sure your pasta is gluten-free too.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and moisture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked but still juicy.

How can I make the dish lighter?

Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly. You could also swap chicken broth for low-sodium vegetable broth to cut back on richness.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on the chicken?

Use a good amount of oil to help the bread crumbs brown nicely and avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken steams less and crisps up better.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a comforting classic that feels special without being complicated. The harmony of crispy, cheesy chicken with that luscious garlic cream sauce is irresistible, making it perfect for feeding family and friends any night of the week. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection!