There’s something incredibly comforting about a pasta dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe hits all those notes and comes together in just one pan — perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade touch without the fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe because it’s that perfect blend of creamy, garlicky, and cheesy goodness with tender chicken. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something simple yet feel like I’m splurging on flavor.
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in the same skillet, so cleanup is a breeze and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Creamy, irresistible sauce: The combination of parmesan and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
- Tender, well-seasoned chicken: The Italian seasoning and paprika give the chicken a savory kick without overpowering the dish.
- Quick weeknight winner: Ready in about 30 minutes, this pasta recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe really comes from how these simple ingredients complement each other—rich parmesan cheese, creamy butter and cream, garlicky onion, and hearty chicken all melding into a harmonious, comforting dish. Here are some thoughts on the essentials:
- Avocado oil or olive oil: Both add healthy fat and a nice sear to the chicken without overpowering the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Butterflied or pounded thin ensures quick, even cooking and juicy results.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary that adds herby depth effortlessly.
- Paprika: Just a hint brings subtle warmth and color to the chicken.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that unmistakable aroma and flavor punch.
- Penne pasta: Holds sauce well and cooks evenly with the broth.
- Chicken broth: Used to cook pasta adds extra savoriness to the whole meal.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts smoothly into the sauce giving it that signature sharp, salty tang.
- Heavy cream: Brings luscious richness and a velvety finish.
- Parsley: Fresh and bright, perfect to balance the richness at the end.
Make It Your Way
I love that this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is super adaptable—here’s how I usually tweak it depending on mood or what’s in the kitchen. You’ll find your own favorite twists, too!
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap penne for gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to suit dietary needs or boost fiber.
- Veggie boost: Adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes towards the end brings fresh color and extra nutrients without complicating the flavors.
- Heat it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives this dish a subtle kick that pairs surprisingly well with the creamy parmesan sauce.
- Lighter version: If you want to skip the heavy cream, half-and-half works fine, just expect a slightly lighter sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First, I mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper and rub it all over the chicken. Patting it dry beforehand helps the seasoning stick better. Then, heat the avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering. Cook the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side until it’s golden and reaches 165°F inside. Resist the urge to crowd the pan—it’s better to work in batches if necessary. Set the cooked chicken aside to rest—it’ll keep juicy that way.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter along with some more avocado oil. Toss in diced onions and a pinch of salt—this pulls moisture out and softens them nicely. Stir occasionally for about 3 minutes until they’re translucent and sweet-smelling. Then add the minced garlic and cook just another minute—overcooked garlic turns bitter, so keep an eye on it!
Step 3: Deglaze and Cook Pasta in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those browned bits stuck to the pan—they’re full of flavor. Let the broth bubble up, then add your dry penne pasta. Stir to make sure all pasta is submerged, cover the pan, and let it cook for around 10 minutes or until al dente. Watching the pasta cook right in the broth means it soaks up all that savory goodness.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Cream & Chicken
Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. The parmesan will melt into a thick, silky sauce enveloping the pasta. Give it a quick taste to adjust salt and pepper if needed. Finally, slice the rested chicken and fold it gently into the pasta. That’s it—time to serve up!
Top Tip
From my experience making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe repeatedly, these small adjustments make a big difference in texture and flavor—try them and you’ll notice!
- Pat chicken dry: Ensuring the chicken is dry before seasoning helps get a crispier, nicely browned sear.
- Don’t rush the garlic: Add it last to the sautéed onions and only cook briefly to avoid bitterness.
- Use fresh parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly and can affect sauce texture.
- Keep pasta submerged: Using broth to cook the pasta means you need to double-check it stays covered for even cooking.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I actually like to sprinkle a bit more freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan right before serving—it adds brightness and a cheesy flourish that everyone seems to appreciate. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top lightens up the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this pasta are simple: a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is also a classic pairing if you want to double down on garlic goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like plating this dish in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh basil or thyme on top, sometimes drizzling a little truffle oil to elevate those cheesy notes. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds festive color and heat if your guests are adventurous.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I let any leftovers cool before packing them into airtight containers. They keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for quick lunches or an easy dinner reboot.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe successfully too! Just remember the pasta might absorb more sauce as it thaws, so you may want to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to regain that creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheating gently on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of extra cream or broth does wonders to revive the sauce without drying out the chicken or pasta. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring occasionally helps keep it evenly warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully because it holds sauce well, you can also use fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness and cooking it on medium heat for a few minutes per side until it reaches 165°F helps ensure juiciness. Letting it rest before slicing keeps all the juices locked in.
You can swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!
Yes! Skip the chicken and add hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers. You can also substitute with plant-based chicken alternatives. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, I’m reminded why it’s become a staple in my dinner repertoire. It’s just one of those dishes where the flavors feel so comforting and satisfying, yet it’s quick enough that I don’t have to stress after a long day. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, I bet it’ll be one you turn to again and again.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe featuring tender seasoned chicken breast cooked with penne pasta in a rich parmesan and heavy cream sauce, all prepared in one pan for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or beaten down to about ½" thickness)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup)
- 4-6 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz dry penne pasta (normal, gluten free, or protein pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry, then rub both sides evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil, then place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Cook for 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add more avocado oil and the butter to the pan. Add diced onion, season with salt, and cook stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the broth to a light boil, then add the dry penne pasta. Stir to fully submerge the pasta in the broth.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Finish the Sauce: Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Mix until the parmesan melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the pan with the pasta. Toss everything together to combine evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- This dish is made entirely in one pan, minimizing cleanup and perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- You can use gluten-free or protein-enriched pasta if desired without affecting the flavor.
- Butterflied or thinly pounded chicken breasts cook faster and help achieve even cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 665 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1021 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 138 mg
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