Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken

creamy pasta recipe, garlic parmesan pasta, honey garlic chicken, chicken dinner ideas, easy weeknight dinners, one pan meals, restaurant-quality pasta, creamy chicken pasta recipe

If you want a quick, satisfying meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant, this creamy garlic parmesan pasta with honey garlic chicken delivers. Silky Parmesan sauce coats al dente pasta while sticky, glossy honey garlic chicken adds sweet-savory flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes and easily customizable, this recipe is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.

Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 30 minutesYield: 4 servingsCuisine: Fusion, Italian-inspiredCourse: Main Course

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the honey garlic chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Make the creamy garlic parmesan sauce In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Toss the drained pasta into the sauce and coat evenly.
3. Cook the honey garlic chicken While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Create the honey garlic glaze In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and add the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the glaze so each piece is well covered.
5. Combine and serve Plate the creamy garlic parmesan pasta and top with honey garlic chicken, or serve the chicken on the side if preferred. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a crisp salad.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce and better flavor.
• Do not overcook the garlic. Sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
• Reserve pasta water before draining; the starchy water helps loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta.
• For a better sear, make sure the chicken pieces are dry before adding oil to the hot pan.
• If the sauce tightens up after resting, add a splash of warm pasta water or cream when reheating to restore the texture.

Variations and Customizations

Add vegetables such as baby spinach, steamed broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms to make the dish more nutrient-dense and colorful.

Switch proteins: substitute shrimp, sliced steak, or tofu for chicken to change the flavor profile. Shrimp pairs especially well with garlic parmesan sauce and cooks quickly.

Spice it up: sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce or add diced jalapeño to the chicken glaze for heat.

Cheesy twist: stir in shredded mozzarella, provolone, or fontina for extra melty cheesiness in the pasta.

Herb-forward: finish with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for a brighter herbal note.

Serving Ideas

Pair with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for soaking up the luscious sauce. Serve alongside a Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

For a complete weeknight meal, add a simple side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

For a special occasion, plate family-style and garnish with lemon wedges and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

Nutrition, Storage, and Reheating

Estimated nutrition per serving (approximate): 650–750 calories, 35–40 g protein, 60–70 g carbohydrates, 28–35 g fat. Values will vary depending on portion size and exact ingredients used.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Chicken can be reheated separately in a skillet to refresh the glaze.

To freeze, place pasta and glazed chicken in separate freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a lighter cream substitute?

Yes. You can use half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and a tablespoon of butter, though the sauce will be slightly thinner and less decadent than with heavy cream. Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative for the chicken glaze to make this recipe gluten-free. How can I make this lower-calorie?

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, reduce the amount of pasta per serving and increase vegetables, or use thinly sliced chicken breast and less oil for cooking.

creamy pasta recipe, garlic parmesan pasta, honey garlic chicken, chicken dinner ideas, easy weeknight dinners

For More Daily Recipes Click Here: geoconecta.com

Enjoy.