If you’re a fan of creamy weeknight comfort food, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta. This irresistible dish brings together juicy, flavor-packed chicken, tender penne, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce—pure heaven in every bite! It’s an easy dinner idea that’s as cozy as it is crave-worthy, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates the magic of garlic and cheese together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Sauce: The garlic parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta and chicken, delivering that luscious, restaurant-quality texture you crave at home.
- Weeknight Friendly: With a quick prep time and no fancy equipment required, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta comes together in just over half an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Family Favorite: The savory flavors and cheesy goodness are always a hit, pleasing picky eaters and foodies alike.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store—no strange additives, just real, honest food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe lends something delicious—richness, aroma, creaminess, or color. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single one!
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: The star protein gets perfectly seasoned and pan-seared for juicy, flavorful bites throughout your pasta.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Essential for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics; avocado oil brings a high smoke point, while olive oil offers that classic, rich flavor.
- Italian Seasoning & Paprika: This duo transforms plain chicken into something vibrant and multi-dimensional, infusing it with herby, earthy notes and a touch of warmth.
- Salt & Pepper: The foundation of all great cooking—don’t be shy here, seasoning both the chicken and the sauce brings the flavors alive.
- Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: The hero of this dish—fresh garlic gives the sauce its unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma and taste.
- Dry Penne Pasta: Penne’s tubular shape is ideal for capturing every bit of sauce, though any short pasta works wonderfully.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory complexity to the sauce, elevating it above a simple cream base.
- Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese: The true flavor powerhouse—make sure it’s finely grated to melt smoothly into the sauce and give it that unmistakable umami richness.
- Heavy Cream: Brings silkiness and body to the sauce, making it perfectly glossy without feeling too heavy.
- Chopped Parsley: For a pop of color and fresh, vibrant finish that balances out the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Unsalted Butter: Sautéing the onion in butter lends extra richness and that irresistible golden sheen.
Variations
One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is how flexible it is! Whether you’re looking to use up pantry staples, adapt to dietary needs, or just add your own creative flair, there’s plenty of easy ways to make this dish your own.
- Swap the Protein: Try sliced Italian sausage, shrimp, or even rotisserie chicken for a speedy twist.
- Veggie-Loaded: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
- Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap some of the cheese for grated Pecorino for a slightly sharper bite.
- Go Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth for a 100% safe meal.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat those chicken breasts dry (this helps them sear beautifully!) and rub them all over with the spice mixture. You want every bite to be seasoned.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Bring a large skillet to medium heat and add the avocado (or olive) oil. Once shimmering, lay in the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, allowing that gorgeous golden crust to form. Check for doneness—a thermometer should read 165°F—then set the chicken aside to rest, keeping all those lovely juices locked in.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium-low and add another splash of oil plus the butter. Stir in the diced onion and a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Let the onion soften and turn translucent, stirring occasionally (about 3 minutes). Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant—about one minute should do it.
Step 4: Simmer the Pasta
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom (seriously, don’t skip this!). Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then add the dry penne. Stir well so the pasta is mostly submerged, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes—just until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Make It Creamy & Bring it Together
Turn off the heat and stir in the finely grated parmesan, heavy cream, and fresh parsley. Mix until the sauce is velvety and the cheese has melted into dreamy perfection. Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Slice the rested chicken into strips and gently fold it into the pasta—toss to combine and let those flavors mingle!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta onto plates or bowls and get ready for that first irresistible forkful. Every bite is creamy, savory, and oh-so-comforting. Dive in while it’s hot!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
- Butterfly or Pound for Even Cooking: Make sure your chicken breasts are an even thickness before seasoning—this ensures juicy results and avoids dry edges!
- Deglaze for Flavor: Scraping up those browned bits (fond) after searing the chicken adds extra depth and savory goodness to your sauce.
- Finely Grate Your Cheese: Use a microplane or fine grater for the parmesan—this helps it melt smoothly and prevents clumps in your sauce.
- Pasta Timing: Check your pasta a couple minutes early; different brands or types cook at different rates, so you want perfectly tender, not mushy, noodles in your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Garnishes
A handful of extra parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley make every plate of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta look as inviting as it tastes. If you want even more zing, try a light squeeze of lemon or a dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta dreams of a crisp green salad—arugula, spinach, or romaine with a bright vinaigrette are perfect. Add some crusty bread or buttery garlic knots on the side to help soak up every last drop of that garlicky sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party spin, serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta in shallow bowls with dramatic curls of parmesan on top. Family-style in a big serving platter also works wonderfully—let everyone dig in for a hearty, shareable meal. Or, portion it into meal-prep containers for a week’s worth of truly enviable lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerated, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta stays fresh for up to 3 days—though it’s so delicious, leftovers often vanish much sooner!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if needed—just know that the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Place cooled pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream and warm over low heat, stirring gently. The sauce will come back together and the pasta will heat through without drying out. Microwave works too, but do it in short bursts to keep everything creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta?
Freshly grated parmesan melts much more smoothly, giving your sauce the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can affect melting, but in a pinch, it will work—just make sure it’s real parmesan, not a shelf-stable powder.
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What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?
Start with chicken breasts that are an even thickness (butterflied or pounded gently), and let them rest after cooking. Not cutting into the chicken right away lets the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
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Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and even make the sauce in advance—just store separately and combine at dinnertime for freshest results. Keep in mind the sauce thickens upon standing, but you can always loosen with a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
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Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and use a bit less parmesan. You’ll still get tons of flavor, just with a slightly lighter, less rich sauce—perfect for a casual weeknight meal!
Final Thoughts
This truly is one of those recipes that will keep making a comeback in your kitchen—so comforting, so crowd-pleasing, and so easy to love. I hope you give Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta a spot on your table soon and savor every creamy, garlicky, cheesy bite. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with creamy parmesan pasta. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or beaten down to about 1/2″ thickness)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 jumbo yellow onion, diced (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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with the seasoning mixture. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Pasta: In a pan, cook onion and garlic until tender. Deglaze with chicken broth, add pasta, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until al-dente.
- Finish the Dish: Add parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley to the pasta. Stir until the sauce thickens. Slice the chicken, add it to the pan, toss to combine, and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
