Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

There are few meals more comforting than a bowl of creamy pasta and when you add juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and plenty of Parmesan, you’ve got a recipe that tastes like pure comfort food heaven. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a date night but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight.

It’s rich, garlicky, and silky-smooth thanks to a homemade cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The chicken is marinated in garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor, while bacon adds a smoky crunch. Toss it all together, sprinkle on some fresh parsley, and you’ll have a pasta dish that’s restaurant-worthy yet completely doable in your own kitchen.

Perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends in, or even entertaining guests, this recipe has all the qualities of a crowd-pleaser: creamy sauce, savory chicken, smoky bacon, and the irresistible flavor of garlic and Parmesan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy – A luscious Parmesan sauce clings to every noodle.
• Perfectly Seasoned Chicken – Lemon zest, herbs, and garlic make the chicken shine.
• Crowd-Friendly – Easily doubled for gatherings and always a hit at the table.
• Restaurant-Style at Home – Gourmet flavors with straightforward steps.
• Customizable – Swap pasta shapes, add veggies, or lighten the sauce to your liking.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4–6 people, depending on portion sizes.

For the Chicken

• 6 garlic cloves – Fresh garlic for marinade depth.
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps coat the chicken.
• 1 tsp stone ground mustard – A tangy flavor enhancer.
• ½ tsp sea salt – Essential seasoning.
• ½ tsp black pepper – For balance.
• 1 tsp dried basil – Earthy, herby notes.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Boosts garlic flavor.
• 1 tsp grated lemon peel – Brightens the chicken marinade.
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein centerpiece.
• ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs – Light coating for texture and flavor.
• 1 tbsp canola oil – For searing the chicken.

For the Pasta & Sauce

• 1 lb dried pasta noodles (linguine or similar) – The base of the dish.
• 6 strips bacon, diced – Smoky, salty richness.
• 2 tbsp butter – To start the roux.
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream – The creamy sauce base.
• 1 tsp garlic paste – Smooth garlic flavor in the sauce.
• 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper – Balances the cream.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese – The star of the sauce.
• Minced flat-leaf parsley – For freshness and garnish.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate & Prepare the Chicken

1. Mince or crush the garlic cloves and mix with olive oil, stone ground mustard, salt, pepper, dried basil, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
2. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor).
3. Lightly coat the chicken in Italian breadcrumbs before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
3. Transfer to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water to thin the sauce later if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

1. In a skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy.
2. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little bacon fat in the pan.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.
2. Add 3 tbsp flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
3. Slowly whisk in heavy cream until smooth and thickened.
4. Stir in garlic paste, black pepper, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
5. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

1. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
2. Fold in crispy bacon and top with sliced chicken.
3. Garnish with minced parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Serve

• Serve immediately in bowls or on a platter, family-style.

Tips & Variations

• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a saltier, sharper flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This pasta dish is:

• Creamy & Rich from the Parmesan and cream.
• Garlicky & Savory with layers of fresh and roasted garlic.
• Smoky & Salty thanks to the bacon.
• Bright & Fresh from lemon zest and parsley.

Drink Pairings

• Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
• Beer: A light pilsner or wheat beer.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling lemon water or iced herbal tea.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per Serving – 6 servings)

• Calories: ~610
• Protein: ~34g
• Carbohydrates: ~48g
• Fat: ~30g
• Fiber: ~3g

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Can be marinated up to 24 hours ahead. Cook and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Sauce: Best made fresh, but can be stored up to 2 days and reheated gently.
• Pasta: Cook fresh, but you can par-cook and refrigerate it, then finish in sauce.
• Reheating: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs add more flavor and remain juicy—just adjust cooking time.

Q2: Can I make this without bacon?
Absolutely—just add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil instead.

Q3: What pasta shapes work best?
Linguine, fettuccine, or penne are ideal for creamy sauces.

Q4: Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat with cream or milk to restore texture.

Q5: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Simmer longer or add a touch more flour to the roux.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
1	Marinate chicken	15 min
2	Cook chicken	15 min
3	Cook pasta	10 min
4	Cook bacon	7 min
5	Make sauce	10 min
6	Assemble & serve	5 min
Total		50–55 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in shallow bowls topped with extra Parmesan and parsley.
• Plate individually for an elegant dinner presentation.
• Garnish with lemon wedges for brightness.
• Serve family-style in a large serving dish for a cozy vibe.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo – Add more cream and Parmesan for a classic Alfredo spin.
2. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake – Transfer to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
3. Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Zoodles – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Ingredient Spotlight: Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) is what makes this dish truly shine. Look for aged Parmesan wedges rather than pre-grated for the best flavor and melt.

💡 Tip: Store Parmesan in wax paper inside a resealable bag in the fridge—it keeps longer and maintains its nutty aroma.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Deglaze the pan after cooking bacon for extra flavor in the sauce.
• Shred Parmesan fresh—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
• Cook pasta al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.
• Rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Store portions in freezer-safe containers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving – 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~610
Protein	~34g
Carbohydrates	~48g
Fat	~30g
Fiber	~3g

Dietary Notes:

• Can be gluten-free with GF pasta and breadcrumbs.
• Not dairy-free (heavy cream and Parmesan).

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, garlicky, and satisfying. Between the juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and rich Parmesan sauce, it delivers bold flavors with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them asking for seconds.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this pasta dish is one you’ll want to make again and again. Pair it with a glass of wine, some garlic bread, and a crisp salad, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like a special occasion any night of the week.

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