Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or beaten down to about ½" thickness); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; Salt & pepper (to taste); 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 tbsp 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 tbsp chopped parsley

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.

A white plate filled with creamy pasta mixed with grilled light brown chicken strips, both coated in a thick, pale yellow sauce with small green herb pieces scattered throughout. The pasta are mostly penne, cream-coated with visible black pepper and sprinkled with shredded white cheese on top. A black fork rests on the right edge of the plate. The plate sits on a wooden table, next to a starchy pan filled with more of the same pasta dish and a white cloth nearby. The surface under everything is a white marbled texture. 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 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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:

Flat lay of a raw boneless, skinless chicken breast, a small white ceramic bowl of Italian seasoning mixed with paprika, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, half a jumbo yellow onion diced in a white ceramic bowl, a few large cloves of fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of avocado oil, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a handful of fresh chopped parsley, a portion of dry uncooked penne pasta, and a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth placed evenly around a simple white ceramic plate, arranged with perfect symmetry and natural proportions, 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

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.

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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 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

A white plate filled with creamy pasta and grilled chicken pieces. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light yellow sauce with green herb specks scattered throughout. The grilled chicken strips, light brown with grill marks, are mixed evenly with the pasta. A black fork rests on the plate, slightly lifting some pasta and chicken. In the background, a shiny metal pan holds more of the pasta dish, sitting on a light wooden table next to a white cloth napkin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works beautifully because it holds sauce well, you can also use fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

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

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.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

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!

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

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.