If you’re on the hunt for pure weeknight comfort food, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Tender slices of golden chicken breast, a lush and garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, and pasta all bubble together in a single pan—it’s a dreamy dinner that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Freshly chopped parsley brightens up every bite, while buttery onions and a generous heap of Parmesan build irresistible flavor. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this pasta promises a cozy meal with barely any cleanup and plenty of happy faces around the table.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, using kitchen staples to create dramatic flavor and texture. Every ingredient plays a starring role, so choose the freshest you can for the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta possible.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: For juicy, tender bites, pound or butterfly the chicken for even cooking and extra surface area for seasoning.
Avocado oil or olive oil: A neutral, high-heat fat that helps achieve that beautiful golden sear and silky mouthfeel in the sauce.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings classic herbal notes—think oregano, thyme, and basil—that make every forkful taste like a trip to the Mediterranean.
Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and gorgeous color without overpowering the dish.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Simple, but essential; kosher salt punches up the flavor, and fresh cracked pepper balances the richness.
Yellow onion: Diced finely, it melts into the sauce and builds a savory base for all those garlicky notes.
Fresh garlic cloves: The more, the merrier—minced garlic brings this dish to life and creates that signature aroma.
Dry penne pasta: Penne is perfect for catching creamy sauce, but feel free to substitute your favorite shape if desired.
Chicken broth: Not only does it cook the pasta, it infuses every bite with ultimate savory depth—use low-sodium for maximum control.
Finely grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts best and gives the sauce a nutty, complex flavor—none of that pre-shredded stuff!
Heavy cream: The secret to a sumptuously rich, silky-smooth sauce—don’t swap this for milk if you want the real deal.
Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens everything with a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish at the very end.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels for maximum sear and rub the seasoning mixture all over. Giving the chicken a few minutes to absorb the flavors while you get everything else ready really makes a difference.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium and add a slick of avocado or olive oil. Lay in the seasoned chicken and sear for three to five minutes per side—they should get beautifully golden. Once the internal temperature hits 74°C, remove chicken to a plate and let it rest (juicy chicken guaranteed). Don’t clean the pan; every browned bit stuck to the bottom is flavor gold.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Dial the heat to medium-low, then add another splash of oil and a knob of butter. Toss in your diced onion with a sprinkle of salt; cook until translucent and softened, about three minutes. Stir in minced garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant—one minute does the trick! Your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 4: Deglaze and Cook Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up those delicious golden bits on the pan bottom. Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Stir in the dry penne, making sure it’s all nestled into the liquid. Cover and let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice—this is where the pasta gets infused with that savory essence.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Switch off the heat before adding the next big flavor players: tip in the Parmesan, heavy cream, and most of the parsley. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is silky and slightly thickened. Taste and tweak with more salt and pepper, if needed. This is the cozy heart of our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Step 6: Slice and Combine Chicken

Cut the rested chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized strips. Nestle them back into the creamy pasta, gently tossing everything so the chicken is coated in sauce and the flavors marry together. It’s almost too tempting not to sneak a taste!

Step 7: Serve

Heap generous portions onto plates or bowls and finish with extra parsley and a flurry of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. This dish is most magical hot from the pan, with that velvety sauce clinging to every forkful.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped parsley is classic—you want those green flecks for pop and brightness. Extra grated Parmesan is never amiss, or try a twist of black pepper for a robust finish. For a touch of zest, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can lift the whole dish.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are always a welcome, healthful addition. And don’t sleep on a warm loaf of garlic bread—it was practically invented for sopping up the leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pasta in big shallow bowls for a restaurant feel, or twirl individual nests onto plates for a fancy touch. Mini cast-iron skillets or family-style from the pan are fun too—just be sure everyone gets plenty of chicken and a generous drizzle of sauce on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then scoop it into an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the fridge for up to three days, making for an enviable lunch or even a second easy dinner.

Freezing

Looking to freeze? Divide portions into freezer-safe containers, and your future self will thank you! This pasta freezes for up to a month—just note the sauce may thicken as it chills, but it’s easily revived.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, pop the pasta in a covered skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy glory. Stir gently as it warms to avoid breaking the sauce. Microwave on low in short bursts works too (just make sure not to overcook the chicken).

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne holds onto the sauce beautifully, rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well. Choose your family’s favorite shape for a fun twist.

Is pre-shredded Parmesan okay to use?

It’s best to grate fresh Parmesan just before adding it to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly, which can affect the creamy texture.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use milk with a bit of extra Parmesan, though your sauce will be a little thinner. Consider using chicken thighs for richer flavor, or add plenty of veggies like spinach or roasted tomatoes.

What’s the secret to juicy chicken?

Butterflying or pounding the chicken so it’s the same thickness ensures even cooking. Also, letting the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before slicing keeps all the juices inside!

Can Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta be made ahead?

Definitely! You can make the pasta and chicken up to a day in advance. Just store separately and combine with a splash of cream or broth when reheating so the sauce comes back together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I promise it will become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s the perfect blend of simple comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor, all whipped up in a single pan. Grab your skillet and treat yourself—you’ll be so glad you did!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 Portions 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy pasta with golden chicken, garlic, and parmesan—comforting and quick, all made in a single pan. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a savory delight that combines tender chicken with flavorful Italian herbs, rich parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal ready in about half an hour.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Mix together Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and rub seasoning onto both sides.
Sear the Chicken: Cook seasoned chicken in a pan with oil until golden brown and cooked through. Rest the chicken.
Start the Sauce Base: Sauté onion and garlic in oil and butter until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer Pasta: Add chicken broth and pasta to the pan, simmer until pasta is al dente.
Finish the Sauce: Stir in Parmesan, cream, and parsley until sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve: Slice chicken, add to the pan with pasta, toss, and serve hot.

Notes

Grate parmesan just before using for best melt and flavor.
Do not rinse pasta after cooking to retain starch for thickening the sauce.
Let chicken rest before slicing to preserve juiciness.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Quick Weeknight Meals
Method: One Pan
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 43g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta, One Pan Meal, Easy Dinner Recipe