This Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving comfort food with a little extra garlic kick. It combines crispy, golden chicken with tender pasta, smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. Basic ingredients unite to form a meal that is comforting, fulfilling, and absolutely tasty.
Table of Contents
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Servings: 4
Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe video
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (more if you love garlic!)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. This gives the chicken a flavorful base.
- Set up your breading station: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in the third bowl.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- Coat each chicken breast with flour, making sure to shake off any extra. Dip it into the egg mixture, then press it into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure the chicken is fully coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- In a spacious skillet, warm up some olive oil on medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Take them out of the pan and set them aside to stay warm.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- As the chicken cooks, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Prepare the pasta following the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you can smell the aroma, making sure to avoid burning the garlic.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic marinara sauce until well coated. Transfer the pasta to a large baking dish or leave it in the skillet if it’s oven-safe.
- Place the crispy chicken breasts on top of the pasta and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 8: Serve
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips:
- Extra Garlic Flavor: Love garlic? Add a couple more cloves to the sauce for a bolder flavor, or rub a halved garlic clove on the cooked chicken before baking.
- Shortcut Option: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked breaded chicken cutlets and simply bake them with the pasta and sauce.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream into the marinara sauce just before tossing with the pasta.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal the next day.
Best Sauce Alternatives for Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Looking to switch things up from the classic marinara in your Chicken Parmesan Pasta? Here are some tasty alternatives to keep the cheesy, comforting vibes while adding a new twist to the dish.
Alfredo Sauce
- Why: This rich, buttery, and cheesy sauce makes your dish even more indulgent, pairing beautifully with crispy chicken and pasta for a luxurious change.
- How to Make: Melt butter with heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thick and creamy.
Pesto Sauce
- Why: Bright and herbaceous, pesto adds a fresh twist to your chicken parmesan. The blend of basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil gives a vibrant pop of flavor.
- How to Make: Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth, or opt for store-bought for convenience.
Vodka Sauce
- Why: Creamy and tangy, vodka sauce strikes a perfect balance between tomato and cream, giving your dish a smooth, velvety texture with a little extra zing.
- How to Make: Sauté onions and garlic, add tomato paste and vodka, then simmer. Stir in cream and Parmesan for a rich finish.
Arrabbiata Sauce
- Why: Love a bit of heat? Arrabbiata brings a spicy kick to the table with red pepper flakes mixed into the familiar tomato and garlic flavors.
- How to Make: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Rosa Sauce
- Why: This creamy-tomato hybrid gives you the best of both worlds. The mix of marinara and cream creates a luscious, slightly tangy sauce.
- How to Make: Combine marinara and Alfredo sauces, then stir in a splash of cream for extra richness.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- Why: A light and flavorful garlic butter sauce complements the chicken and pasta without being too heavy, adding just the right amount of richness.
- How to Make: Melt butter in a pan, sauté minced garlic, and toss with pasta and chicken. Sprinkle with Parmesan for extra flavor.
Béchamel Sauce
- Why: This classic French white sauce is mild and creamy, allowing the chicken and cheese to be the stars while adding subtle richness to the pasta.
- How to Make: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Stir until thickened and season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg.
Tomato Cream Sauce
- Why: A perfect balance of tangy tomato and rich cream, this sauce is lighter than Alfredo but creamier than marinara.
- How to Make: Simmer marinara sauce, then stir in heavy cream until the sauce turns a soft orange-pink.
Mushroom Cream Sauce
- Why: Earthy and savory, this sauce brings an umami depth that complements the crispy chicken while adding texture and flavor.
- How to Make: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and onions, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until creamy and thick.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
- Why: Bold and tangy, sun-dried tomato pesto adds a concentrated burst of flavor that transforms the dish into something truly unique.
- How to Make: Blend sun-dried tomatoes with garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and basil into a thick, flavorful paste.
These sauce alternatives bring fresh new flavors to your Chicken Parmesan Pasta, letting you mix and match depending on your mood or what you have in the pantry. Try them out and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish.
Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount (per serving) |
| Calories | 650-750 kcal |
| Protein | 45-50 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60-70 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4-6 g |
| Fat | 25-30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-12 g |
| Cholesterol | 120-150 mg |
| Sodium | 1200-1500 mg |
| Calcium | 350-400 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10-15% of Daily Value (DV) |
| Vitamin C | 10-15% of Daily Value (DV) |
Health Benefits of Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta:
- High in Protein: Chicken provides a good amount of protein, supporting muscle repair and overall body functions.
- Calcium-Rich: Cheese adds a significant amount of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Boosts Energy: The carbohydrates from the pasta offer a quick energy source, making this a hearty meal.
- Immune System Support: Garlic and marinara sauce contribute to a boost in immunity due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Heart Health: Olive oil used in the dish is a source of healthy fats, which can benefit heart health.
- Vitamin C Boost: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil and the tomatoes in marinara sauce add vitamin C, promoting a healthy immune system and skin.
- Bone Health: Parmesan cheese provides additional calcium and phosphorus, key minerals for bone density.
- Balanced Macronutrients: This dish offers a balanced combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a complete meal.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The tomatoes in the marinara sauce are high in antioxidants like lycopene, which help reduce inflammation.
- Digestive Support: The fiber in the pasta and marinara sauce helps support digestive health.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Keep your leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can store the cooked meal in the freezer for as long as 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool down completely before putting it into a container that’s safe for freezing.
Reheat & Reuse Instructions:
Reheat Ideas:
- Reheat in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Reheat in the Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Reuse Ideas:
- Pasta Bake: Mix leftovers with extra marinara sauce and top with more mozzarella and Parmesan. Cook in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s nice and bubbly.
- Chicken Parm Sandwich: Slice leftover chicken and serve in a sandwich with extra marinara and cheese for a delicious sandwich version.
- Soup Twist: Dice the chicken and mix with broth, veggies, and leftover pasta for a Chicken Parmesan-inspired soup.
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a satisfying, cheesy dish that’s easy to store and reuse, making it perfect for a quick meal later in the week.
FAQ’s
How do you make garlic chicken for Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
Begin by adding salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the chicken breasts for seasoning. Cook the chicken in olive oil along with minced garlic until it turns golden and is fully cooked. For an extra touch, you can bake the chicken after browning it to ensure it stays juicy and packed with garlic goodness.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on the chicken?
For a deliciously crispy Parmesan crust, start by coating the chicken in flour, then dip it into beaten eggs, and finally roll it in a blend of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook the chicken in a hot skillet until it turns golden and crispy on both sides.
What type of pasta works best with Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti are great choices because they hold onto the sauce and garlic flavor. Short pasta like penne is especially good for scooping up all the bits of garlic and sauce.
How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy in the pasta?
To ensure the chicken remains crispy, add it to the pasta right before serving instead of mixing it in earlier. Alternatively, you can place the crispy chicken on top of the pasta to maintain its crunchiness and drizzle the sauce over it just before serving.
Can I make Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the chicken and the pasta sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat and combine just before serving. To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave.
What sauce is best for Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
A homemade marinara sauce with lots of garlic works best, but you can also make a garlic cream sauce for a richer version. Just sauté garlic in butter, add cream and Parmesan cheese, and simmer until thickened for a decadent garlic Parmesan sauce.