There was this one rainy Thursday that I still think about; I was broke, cold, and all I had in the fridge was some chicken thighs, cream, garlic, and a chunk of Parmesan. So, I tossed everything into one pan and made what would become one of my favorite comfort meals ever. Shaym here from SoolFood, and let me tell you, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hits that nostalgic sweet spot. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull together. It’s also the kind of recipe that turns any regular evening into something special, even if it’s just you, a fork, and your favorite show.
Let’s break down what makes this dish work: juicy, golden-seared chicken, loads of garlic butter, creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta that soaks up all that flavor. Whether you serve it with a side of roasted veggies or just eat it straight from the pan (no judgment), you’ll keep coming back to it.
📝 Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the pasta:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
🍝 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
2. Season and cook the chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Make the garlic Parmesan sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the cheese and pasta:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
5. Finish and serve:
Top with sliced chicken and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
👨🍳 Pro Tips from Shaym:
- Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted garlic green beans or a crisp Caesar salad.
- Swap the cream with half & half if you want it lighter, but the richness is kind of the point.
If you’re a fan of this creamy pasta, check out my Chicken Drumsticks in the Air Fryer, crispy skin without the deep fryer. Or try the Lemon Pepper Chicken for something zesty and bright that still delivers on flavor.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is proof that you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make something comforting and indulgent. It’s simple, soulful, and always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week.