Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne work great); 2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly; 4 tablespoons of Kerrygold butter; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 cup of heavy cream; 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Simple Speedy Plates

Ever come home after a long day and just want something cozy and comforting for dinner? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is just that for me. It’s simple, delicious, and I can usually make it for around $10. I whip it up whenever I need a pick-me-up, and trust me, it never disappoints. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, so I love to make it when friends come over.

Created by

The Globalbitesrecipes Team

Last updated on 2026-05-12T14:05:04.110Z

What to Know Before Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is really just comforting home cooking. You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or even roasted veggies if you're in the mood for something different. And if you like your pasta a little spicier, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be reheated the next day, but keep in mind that the sauce might thicken a bit. A splash of milk or more cream when reheating can help bring it back to life. Honestly, I sometimes find that the flavors meld even better after a night in the fridge!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

12 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne work great)
2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
4 tablespoons of Kerrygold butter
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure you have everything handy before you start cooking!

Instructions

Here’s how to make this lovely dish:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Don't forget to reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining!

Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of Kerrygold butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Lower the heat and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until it’s melted and smooth. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Serve

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Don’t forget to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning!

Pro Tips

If you want some greens, throw in some spinach or broccoli at the end when adding the pasta.
To save time, you can cook the chicken in advance and just reheat it in the sauce.
For a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad. A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the pasta. Plus, it adds a fresh crunch that'll balance things out nicely. If you're feeling a bit more indulgent, a slice of garlic bread can be a delightful addition.

Wine lovers might enjoy a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay with this dish. Their acidity complements the creaminess of the sauce well. If wine isn’t your thing, a sparkling water with lemon can be refreshing and help cleanse your palate.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to get a head start, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the chicken as directed, make the sauce, and keep them both in the fridge separately. When it’s time for dinner, cook the pasta, toss it all together, and you’ll have a hot meal ready in no time. This can save you about 20 minutes on a busy night.

Honestly, I sometimes prepare extra pasta too, as it warms up surprisingly well. Just remember to drizzle a bit of olive oil on it before storing to prevent it from sticking together. And as a side note, if you've got kids or picky eaters in the house, you can reduce the amount of garlic for a milder version.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of cheese?

You can, but I wouldn't. Parmesan really gives this dish its signature taste, and other cheeses might make it too heavy.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Absolutely! You could substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even use almond milk for a lower-calorie version, but it won't be quite as rich.

→ What can I pair with this dish?

Honestly, a simple green salad or some garlic bread works beautifully. It's definitely filling enough on its own, though!