There’s something truly comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta that also packs a punch of savory chicken flavor. This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe brings together tender chicken, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate—you really won't want to miss making it.

A large white pan filled with creamy white sauce-coated penne pasta, speckled with black pepper and green herbs, creating a smooth and rich textured base layer. On top, several slices of grilled chicken with a golden brown, slightly charred crust are arranged in two layered rows across the middle of the pasta. The chicken is sprinkled with grated cheese and small green parsley bits, adding a touch of color and texture contrast. A metal spoon with a golden handle dips into the right bottom side of the pasta, partly under the chicken slices. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly get excited every time I make this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so easily. Plus, it’s got just the right balance of garlic, cheesy richness, and tender chicken that makes everyone at my table ask for seconds.

Simple yet impressive: Combines familiar, pantry-friendly ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal.
Comfort food with a fresh twist: The homemade garlic Parmesan sauce is creamy without being heavy or greasy.
Flexible for your taste: Easy to customize with extra spice, herbs, or a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining: Feeds a crowd without keeping you in the kitchen all night.

A close-up view of a white pan filled with creamy penne pasta covered in a thick, smooth white sauce with small green herb flakes scattered throughout. On one side, there are several browned chicken strips with a slightly crispy texture, topped with small green parsley bits and grated white cheese. The pasta and chicken are next to each other, with a gold spoon partially visible within the creamy pasta. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe plays a role in layering flavors and textures that make the dish memorable. From the chicken spices to the creamy Parmesan sauce, here’s why these components shine together—and a few tips on what to look for at the store.

Flat lay of two medium raw chicken breasts with a light drizzle of olive oil, small piles of salt, black peppercorns, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika arranged beside them, a simple white ceramic bowl with uncooked penne pasta, a small white ceramic bowl with olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with unsalted butter cubes, a single large shallot whole and chopped on a white ceramic plate, several whole garlic cloves next to minced garlic in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, a small pile of flour on white ceramic surface, a small white ceramic bowl with low-sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy half and half, a small white ceramic bowl with crushed chicken bouillon powder, small piles of dried parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano, a small pile of salt, a small pile of black pepper, a white ceramic bowl with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, and a halved lemon showing fresh juice droplets, all carefully spaced and symmetrically arranged, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Choose medium-sized, even thickness breasts so they cook evenly; slicing to create cutlets helps them cook faster and more tenderly.
Olive oil and unsalted butter: Drizzle and sauté in these fats for flavor and the perfect sear on your chicken.
Shallots and garlic: These aromatics build the base for that rich, garlicky sauce we’re craving, adding sweetness and savory depth.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle heat without overpowering, balancing the richness.
Flour: Acts as a thickener for the sauce, making it creamy and luscious without heaviness.
Chicken broth and half-and-half: Give the sauce its smooth, velvety texture; if you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap the half-and-half with milk paired with a bit of cornstarch for thickness.
Chicken bouillon and dried herbs: Boost the savory notes—parsley, basil, oregano work together for classic Italian flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must here; it melts better and lends that signature sharp, nutty bite.
Fresh parsley and lemon juice: Great finishing touches that brighten and freshen up the dish just before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe feels like a blank canvas you can tailor to your cravings. Sometimes I add a handful of fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrients, or swap penne for rigatoni if I’m feeling fancy. Don’t hesitate to make it yours!

Add veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini to bulk it up and sneak in extra flavor.
Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like heat.
Dairy-free: Try almond milk with cornstarch in place of half-and-half and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Protein swaps: Shrimp or turkey cutlets work well if you want to change up the protein but keep the essence of the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Tenderize the Chicken

First things first, slice your chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner fillets. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or even the side of a can until they’re evenly tender. This step is key—you'll get juicy, quick-cooking chicken every time without dryness.

Step 2: Season and Sear to Golden Perfection

Mix your salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, then pat the chicken dry and drizzle with olive oil before coating with the spice blend. Let it rest while you get other ingredients ready—that brief rest helps the seasoning soak in. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, then cook chicken about 4-5 minutes a side until beautifully golden and cooked through (160°F internal temp). Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest so the juices redistribute.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter to the chicken drippings over medium heat. Sauté chopped shallots until tender and fragrant, scraping up those delicious browned bits left from the chicken—they add so much flavor. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes for a quick 30 seconds, then sprinkle flour and cook, stirring, until incorporated and thickened just a bit (about 1 minute).

Reduce heat and slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to keep it smooth. Add chicken bouillon and the dried herbs, then simmer gently until sauce thickens, stirring often so it doesn’t stick. Lower the heat and add the Parmesan cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and silky.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta & Sauce

Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving a cup of the pasta water before draining. Toss the pasta and sliced chicken back into the sauce. If it feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until it’s just right. Taste and adjust salt and pepper—don’t skip freshly cracked salt here. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top brightens everything perfectly, especially with fresh parsley sprinkled on.

Top Tip

Having made this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe countless times, I’ve learned these simple tricks really elevate the dish and help you nail it every time without stress.

Don’t skip the resting steps: Let both the chicken and the cooked pasta rest before combining—it makes textures smoother and juicier.
Use fresh Parmesan: It melts better and has a sharper flavor compared to the pre-grated stuff, really making the sauce sing.
Save some pasta water: This starchy water is magic for loosening the sauce while keeping it silky and binding everything together.
Keep an eye on sauce thickness: If it starts to get too thick, add broth or pasta water gradually rather than all at once for better control.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

chicken parmesan pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh flat-leaf parsley—it adds a nice pop of green and freshness. A little freshly cracked black pepper and an extra dusting of Parmesan never hurt, either. For a bright twist, don’t forget that squeeze of lemon right before serving; it really cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

It pairs wonderfully with simple garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every bit of sauce. For veggies, a crisp Caesar salad or roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon balances out the creamy pasta beautifully. I also love serving steamed green beans with toasted almonds alongside it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating the pasta in individual shallow bowls and topping each serving with a whole grilled chicken breast cutlet for a dramatic, restaurant-style look. Breadcrumbs toasted with garlic and herbs can be sprinkled on top for extra crunch and texture contrast—it’s a fun surprise your guests will notice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce slightly overnight, so it tastes even better reheated with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely too—just pop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a little added liquid to keep it from drying out.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often and adding reserved pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps maintain that creamy texture without making the chicken rubbery or the pasta mushy. I avoid high heat or the microwave whenever possible for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta for this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great for catching the sauce, farfalle, rigatoni, or even fusilli work beautifully too. Just use your favorite shape.

What’s the best way to get tender chicken without drying it out?

Slicing the breasts into cutlets and gently pounding them helps them cook evenly and quickly, locking in juices. Also, letting the cooked chicken rest before slicing keeps it moist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

You can swap half-and-half with plant-based milk thickened with cornstarch and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. For vegan protein, try grilled tofu or seitan, and adjust seasonings as needed.

How do I adjust the sauce if it gets too thick?

Stir in reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or a splash of milk gradually to loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor. Stir over low heat until you reach the perfect silky consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe has quickly become a go-to for me on busy weeknights and casual dinner parties alike. It’s one of those dishes where the combination of ease, comforting flavors, and a little homemade touch make everyone feel cared for—and that’s really what cooking should be all about. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be a favorite at your table too.