If you are searching for a comforting, creamy, and full-flavored dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe combines tender chicken bites with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce that is silky, cheesy, and delightfully savory. With only a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping meal that tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef but comes together effortlessly at home. Trust me, once you make this dish, it will quickly become a favorite to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key for creating that irresistible blend of textures and flavors in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each component works harmoniously—from the tender chicken to the creamy sauce and perfectly al dente pasta—to bring this dish alive with fantastic taste, texture, and color.
- 1 lb pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne): Choose a pasta shape that captures the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp McCormick herb and garlic seasoning: Packs in savory flavor and aroma.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (room temperature): Gives the sauce a velvety texture and tangy creaminess.
- 1 (12-oz) jar Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The star ingredient lending bold garlic and parmesan notes.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Intensifies the cheesy flavor and adds a slight nuttiness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil over medium-high heat. Add your choice of pasta—rotini, fusilli, or penne are ideal—and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well and set aside. Cooking the pasta just right ensures it won’t become mushy once combined with the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking. Sprinkle the chicken with the McCormick herb and garlic seasoning to infuse it with bold, savory notes that will elevate the overall flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook until they turn golden brown on the outside and are cooked through. This step adds a beautiful texture contrast and locks in juiciness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
To the same skillet, add the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is the heart of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, marrying classic garlic and parmesan flavors in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the grated parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir to dissolve it smoothly. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, then gently fold in the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to generously coat each piece. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Your wonderfully creamy and flavorful dish is ready for serving!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can brighten and finish the dish beautifully. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. If you enjoy a little heat, adding red pepper flakes complements the creamy sauce with a subtle kick, making each forkful exciting.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads featuring tangy vinaigrettes, which balance the creaminess with refreshing acidity. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add vibrant texture and nutrition, turning the meal into a well-rounded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe directly from your favorite large skillet or casserole dish. For a special touch, plate it in shallow bowls with extra parmesan sprinkled on top and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Adding a few lemon wedges on the side can also brighten up the flavors right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta keeps very well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and texture. Before refrigerating, allow the dish to cool down to room temperature to preserve freshness.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta may soften after thawing. To freeze, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. It will maintain good quality for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, do so slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce begins to dry out or thicken too much. This helps restore that signature creamy consistency that makes the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe so comforting and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini, fusilli, or penne work best to hold the sauce, you can swap in spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta you prefer. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Is there a substitute for the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce?
If you can’t find this specific sauce, you can make a quick garlic parmesan sauce at home by combining garlic butter with heavy cream and parmesan cheese. However, the store-bought sauce adds a unique blend of flavors that’s hard to beat.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe dairy-free, try substituting cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free parmesan alternatives. Keep in mind, the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs bring more juiciness and richer flavor. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cook thoroughly. They might need a slightly longer cooking time depending on size.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It definitely is. This recipe stores well in the fridge and can be portioned out for lunches or quick dinners. Just reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe a try if you crave a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. Its rich, garlicky parmesan sauce paired with tender chicken and hearty pasta will make every mealtime feel like a celebration. So grab your skillet, gather these simple ingredients, and enjoy creating comfort food magic that everyone will rave about!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender seasoned chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting recipe is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp McCormick herb and garlic seasoning
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 (12-oz) jar Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with the McCormick herb and garlic seasoning.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooked chicken, and cooked pasta. Toss everything together to fully coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rotini, fusilli, or penne pasta as they hold the sauce well.
- Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to help it melt smoothly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after combining all ingredients to avoid over-salting.
- For extra spice, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently to preserve sauce creaminess.
