Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

There’s something truly magical about the creamy, garlicky goodness of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food—a versatile dish that can shine at special occasions or be effortlessly prepared for busy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that’s impossible to resist. From Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to the indulgent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, and even the fan-favorite Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, there’s a variation for everyone. Ready to elevate your pasta nights? Let’s explore the top 4 steps to crafting a delicious meal that will have your family and friends craving seconds!

If you’re looking for another simple and delicious option, this dish is the ultimate Grilled Chicken Alfredo .

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s an easy-to-make dish that takes less than an hour from start to finish.
• Packed with flavor from garlic, parmesan, and cream.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein substitutions.

For a detailed guide to creating this creamy pasta, check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta resource.

---

1 . How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Key Aspects of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore what makes this dish a favorite across American households:

1. Flavor Explosion: A harmonious mix of creamy parmesan, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken creates an unforgettable taste experience.
2. Versatility: From one-pot meals to baked casseroles, this dish adapts to your cooking style and time constraints.
3. Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this pasta is a go-to for family dinners.

Ingredients List

The ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta are simple yet packed with flavor. Here’s a general list for most recipes:

• Chicken breast or thighs
• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• Garlic cloves (freshly minced)
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
• Optional: Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Chicken:
   • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
   • In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil your choice of pasta according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Melt butter in the skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
   • Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
   • Add grated parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine:
   • Slice the chicken into strips and toss with the pasta in the sauce.
   • Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed.
5. Serve and Garnish:
   • Plate your pasta and garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.

Nutritional Value

Ingredient	Calories	Nutritional Benefits
Chicken (4 oz)	165	High in protein
Parmesan Cheese (1 oz)	110	Rich in calcium and vitamin A
Garlic (3 cloves)	13	Boosts immunity
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup)	400	Provides energy and healthy fats
Pasta (2 oz)	200	Great source of carbohydrates

---

2 . Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Ingredients and Step-by-Step Method

This recipe is a lighter version of the classic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It swaps heavy cream for healthier alternatives and incorporates nutrient-rich ingredients while keeping the creamy, garlicky goodness intact.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 medium chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces whole-grain pasta (penne or fettuccine work best)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• 1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, for added nutrition)
• Juice of half a lemon

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Additional grated Parmesan (optional)

---

Method: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
3. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.

3. Make the Healthy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Milk and Cream Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the almond milk and stir in the low-fat cream cheese until it melts and combines smoothly.
3. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
4. Season the Sauce: Add oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Squeeze in the lemon juice for a bright flavor.
5. Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix it Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, use the reserved pasta water, adding a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Assemble and Serve

1. Add the Chicken: Top the pasta with the sliced chicken and toss gently to combine.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an optional extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete and nutritious meal.

Enjoy this guilt-free, deliciously creamy Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

---

3 . Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This classic recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory parmesan for a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 medium chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 10 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan (optional)

---

Method: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
3. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or cubes.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water). Stir to combine.
3. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Season the Sauce: Add dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix it Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Add Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix it with the pasta and sauce.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the pasta on plates or in bowls.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Past

• Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth.
• Extra Flavor: For a richer taste, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.

Enjoy this luscious and flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a perfect dish for any dinner table!

---

4 . Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This recipe is inspired by the creamy, flavorful Garlic Parmesan sauce from Buffalo Wild Wings. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, pasta, and the iconic sauce that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 medium chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 10 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 2 cups Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup fresh spinach or steamed broccoli
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice)

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan (optional)

---

Method: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
3. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or cubes.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Sauce and Cream: Stir in the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Season: Add red pepper flakes (optional) and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix it Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Add Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix it with the pasta and sauce.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Dish: Divide the pasta into servings.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Optional Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Enjoy the creamy and savory Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—a dish that brings restaurant flavors straight to your kitchen! Perfect for game days, family dinners, or any time you crave comfort food.

---

Storage Tips

1. Cool the Pasta: Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Store the pasta in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors in the fridge.
3. Separate Sauce and Pasta (if possible): If you anticipate leftovers, store the sauce and pasta separately to prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft.
4. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the dish in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
5. Freeze for Longer Storage: To store for more than a few days, freeze the pasta. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pasta can last up to 2 months.
6. Label and Date: Label the container with the storage date to track freshness.

---

Reheating Tips

1. Thawing (if Frozen):
   • Move the pasta to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight for even reheating.
   • Alternatively, use the defrost setting on a microwave if you’re in a hurry.
2. Microwave Reheating:
   • Place a portion of pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
   • Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.
   • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
   • Heat in short intervals (30–60 seconds), stirring in between, until heated through.
3. Stovetop Reheating:
   • Heat a non-stick skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add a small amount of milk, cream, or chicken broth to the pan.
   • Stir the pasta continuously to heat it evenly and maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
4. Oven Reheating(for larger portions):
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
   • Heat for about 20–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a bit of liquid if the pasta seems dry.
5. Avoid Overheating: Excessive reheating can dry out the pasta and toughen the chicken. Heat only until the dish is warm.
6. Add Fresh Garnishes: To revive the dish, sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta as deliciously as the first time.

---

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Cup)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400–500 kcal
Protein	25–30g
Total Fat	15–20g
– Saturated Fat	6–8g
Cholesterol	80–100mg
Carbohydrates	35–45g
– Dietary Fiber	2–4g
– Sugars	2–4g
Sodium	600–800mg
Calcium	10–15% of DV
Iron	8–12% of DV

Key Ingredients and Their Impact

1. Chicken:
   • Provides lean protein, contributing to muscle repair and overall satiety.
2. Parmesan Cheese:
   • High in calcium and protein but also adds saturated fat and sodium.
3. Pasta:
   • Source of carbohydrates for energy; whole-grain pasta offers more fiber.
4. Garlic and Olive Oil:
   • Garlic is low in calories and rich in antioxidants, while olive oil provides healthy fats.
5. Cream or Milk:
   • Adds creaminess and calories from fat. Using low-fat versions can reduce calorie content.
6. Butter:
   • Adds flavor and richness but increases saturated fat and calorie content.

Tips to Make It Healthier

• Use Whole-Grain or Lentil Pasta: Increases fiber and protein.
• Substitute Cream: Use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Go Light on Cheese: Reduce the amount of Parmesan or use a lower-fat alternative.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, broccoli, or zucchini for more nutrients and fiber.
• Control Sodium: Use unsalted butter, low-sodium broth, and reduce added salt.

This nutritional profile is a guideline. For precise information, calculate using specific ingredient quantities in your recipe.

---

FAQ

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of creamy, savory flavors that bring comfort and satisfaction to your table. With its tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sauce bursting with garlic and parmesan, it’s a dish that’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for special occasions.

Whether you’re exploring classic recipes, healthier alternatives, or unique twists like Buffalo Wild Wings-inspired versions, there’s something irresistible about the creamy goodness of this pasta. It’s a dish that can easily adapt to different preferences, dietary needs, and creative inspirations.

Now that you’ve learned the secrets to making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it’s time to head to the kitchen and whip up your masterpiece. Share it with loved ones or enjoy it as a personal treat—you won’t be disappointed.

Craving more? Experiment with variations, add your favorite veggies, or double the recipe for leftovers. And don’t forget to sprinkle on a little extra parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.