Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Me and pasta are two peas in a pod. From Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells to zucchini lasagna or white cheddar Mac and cheese, I love pasta in all forms. But, this newest pasta addition has become one of my most favorites.

This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser with its simple ingredients and quick prep time. Perfect for times you want a gourmet restaurant-type dish but are low on time. The end result is a creamy and rich pasta everyone will enjoy. The secret is in the roasted garlic that is worth every extra minute it takes to roast! 

For more easy pasta dishes, try sausage and bok choy pasta, tuna pasta salad or vegetarian hamburger helper.

How to cut and roast garlic

Roasting garlic is something every chef (and non-chef!) should utilize. Roasted garlic elevates a dish like no other! Using a knife cut the top off the head of garlic leaving the protective leaf on. Drizzle with olive oil and place the bottom down on foil. Wrap the foil around like a heresy’s kiss and place it on a baking sheet in the oven. Roast the garlic for 30-40 minutes until the cloves are golden brown and your house smells like a gourmet kitchen. Remove the garlic from the foil and using a heat pan simply squeeze out the soft cloves. If the cloves do not pop right out then the garlic is not done roasting. Use the garlic in the sauce for this garlic parmesan chicken pasta and you will not be disappointed. 

What other protein can I use?

This pasta dish uses chicken breast but you could also use thighs, steak, shrimp, sausage or even a ground meat. 

Is this good for meal prep?

I love this for meal prep! Simply weigh your final pasta dish and divide by 6. Place into meal prep bowls and add the desired amount of protein to each bowl. This chicken pasta is a great meal prep as it reheats well and stays nice and creamy. 

Ingredients and Substitutes:

These are the main ingredients and substitutions. See the recipe card below for the full ingredients list and instructions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Chicken: this recipe uses chicken breast but you could also use thighs, pre-cooked chicken, steak, shrimp, sausage, or ground meats. 

Penne Noodles: any style of noodle will work with this recipe. Use your favorite. 

Garlic: if you do not want to roast the garlic you can add 2-4 minced cloves to the butter while making the sauce. Roasted garlic has a much more muted flavor than raw garlic so be sure not to add a full clove of raw garlic or you might have to sleep in the garage. 

Butter: butter adds great flavor to the sauce but you can substitute it with ghee, olive oil, or even coconut oil.

Half and Half: this recipe calls for fat-free half and half. You can substitute with a 50/50 milk and cream, milk and cornstarch to make it thicker, heavy cream or full-fat half and half. I would not recommend trying this with almond or coconut milk. 

All-Purpose Flour: this recipe used 2 Tbsp. of all-purpose flour to create the roux. You can use arrowroot powder or gluten-free flour. 

Parmesan Cheese: I would not omit this one. The cheesiness of this sauce is perfect with just 1/4 cup. If you need extra cheese add it on top at the end.  

How to make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta

Step 1: Roast the garlic

Leaving the garlic intact cut the tip off so that the garlic is showing on the top. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Place on a baking sheet with the cut side up and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on the inside. 

Once the garlic is done roasting remove the garlic from the foil and squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves. Mash with the back of a fork and save for your sauce. 

Step 2: Cook the chicken

While the garlic roasts, pound the chicken breasts to 1/2″ thickness with a meat pounder. To avoid this step buy thinly cut chicken breast. 

Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and barbeque on medium heat until cooked through. Approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, the cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken. You can also pan sear, air fry, use an indoor countertop grill or bake before or after your garlic.  

Step 3: Boil the pasta

When the garlic has approximately 10 minutes left of roasting time, start your water for your noodles. Cook noodles according to the package directions. 

Step 4: Make the sauce

Heat a large pan over medium and add the butter. Cook until melted. Once melted add the roasted garlic and simmer for one minute while stirring so the garlic does not burn. 

Add flour to the garlic butter mixture and mix together well to create your roux. 

Slowly add the half and half and whisk until the roux is completely mixed in. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken and remove from the heat. 

While the pan is off the heat add the cheese and whisk together until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor. 

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta noodles to the sauce and mix well to combine. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add to the dish or serve on top. Top with fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy your delicious and easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe makes 6 servings. You will need to measure your final cooked pasta dish and divide by the number or servings for the must accurate measurements per serving. 

Nutrition facts for pasta only: 264 calories 9 P / 43 C / 7 F 

Nutrition facts with 4 oz. (raw) chicken: 400 calories 35 P / 43 C / 10 F 

How to serve

You can serve this chicken pasta by itself, with a side salad, or roasted vegetables or my Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes. 

Check out some of our other easy weeknight meals!

• Air Fryer Blackened Salmon
• Chili Cheese Enchiladas
• Cajun Salmon Pasta
• Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes