Name: One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt & pepper (to taste); 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 jumbo yellow onion (diced (1 cup)); 4-6 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that manages to be effortlessly impressive, creamy, and packed with comfort, One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta might just steal the show at your dinner table. This recipe combines juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a creamy parmesan-spiked sauce and perfectly tender pasta, all cooked together in just one pan for ultimate convenience. It’s a weeknight miracle that feels like something special — and best of all, there’s minimal cleanup after you’ve licked your plate clean!

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how it draws big flavors from simple, everyday ingredients. Each component brings its own touch, from rich creaminess to herby depth to a golden, cheesy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and a few tips for getting the most from each one.

Avocado oil or olive oil: Either oil works beautifully for searing the chicken and sautéing the onions, adding a subtle richness.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb): Butterfly or pound your chicken to an even thickness for juicy, quick, and even cooking.
Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): This classic blend infuses the chicken with savory, aromatic herbs in every bite.
Paprika (1/2 tsp): For gentle warmth and a hint of smoky color without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Balance and boost every other flavor, so don’t be shy about seasoning throughout.
Unsalted butter (1 tbsp): Combined with oil, butter creates delicious depth while sautéing the onions.
Jumbo yellow onion, diced (1/2, about 1 cup): Sweet, mellow onion is the aromatic soul of the sauce.
Garlic, minced (4-6 cloves): Star of the show! Fresh garlic delivers a bold kick that sets the pasta apart.
Dry penne pasta (8 oz): Penne holds the creamy sauce in every tube, but other short pasta shapes will do in a pinch.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses pasta with savory flavor as it cooks and gives the sauce an irresistible base.
Parmesan cheese, finely grated (1 cup): Use the best you can find for the dreamiest melt and nutty flavor.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): For rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
Chopped parsley (2 tbsp): A splash of fresh green to liven up the finished dish.

How to Make One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by mixing together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then give them a generous, even rub down with the spice mix on both sides. This quick step is the secret to getting big flavor into your chicken with very little effort.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium heat and add your avocado or olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully lay in the seasoned chicken. Sear it for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until you get a gorgeous golden crust and the internal temperature reads 165F. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and let it rest, tented loosely with foil to keep it juicy.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add another drizzle of oil and a pat of butter to the pan. Toss in your diced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start softening and turning translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for one minute, just until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Pasta

Pour in your chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those rich, browned bits left at the bottom of the pan. They’re flavor gold! Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then add the dry penne pasta. Stir so every piece gets a little love and is mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Cover your pan with a fitted lid and let the pasta cook for about 10 minutes, or until it’s perfectly al-dente. Give it a quick stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. This step is what makes One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta so convenient — everything cooks together, absorbing maximum flavor!

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Turn off the heat but keep the pan on the burner. Add in your freshly grated parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Stir well until the cheese melts fully, transforming the liquid into a dreamy, slightly thickened sauce. Taste and adjust with a little more salt and pepper, if you like.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Serve

Slice your rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then fold them back into the pan with the pasta and sauce. Toss gently to coat, so every forkful is packed with creamy noodles and juicy chicken. Serve immediately — and get ready for happy faces around the table!

How to Serve One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For the prettiest One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, scatter extra chopped fresh parsley and a big handful of freshly grated parmesan right over the top. If you love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is delicious too. Lemon zest or a few drops of fresh lemon juice also add bright contrast to all the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also loves company. Pair it with a crisp Caesar or green salad to lighten up the meal, or serve alongside roasted broccoli or asparagus for even more veggies. Warm, crusty bread is absolutely made for swiping up every bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, plate One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a big, shallow serving bowl with the chicken piled right on top. Or, try twirling single servings into nests with tongs and topping each with a piece of sliced chicken for restaurant-style presentation. Mini cast iron skillets make fun, rustic servings for a dinner party twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken slightly as it chills, but the flavors deepen and mingle overnight.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion cooled pasta and chicken into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results. Keep in mind the creamy sauce may separate just a bit, but a good stir revives it!

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen and re-creamy the sauce. Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring often, until hot and smooth. For single servings, the microwave works — just use 50 percent power and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best besides penne?

Penne is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, or even fusilli make great alternatives. Any medium, tube-shaped pasta will work — just adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are delicious and stay extra juicy. Just cut them into similar thickness as breasts and follow the same cooking steps. Make sure they reach an internal temp of 165F before slicing.

How can I make One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lighter?

If you want something a little lighter, swap in half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use whole milk. For extra veggies, toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach or frozen peas right at the end.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe easily adapts to gluten-free diets; just use your favorite gluten-free penne or short pasta. Always double-check broth and cheese labels if you’re sensitive to trace gluten.

Can I make this dairy-free?

The sauce relies on parmesan and cream for its signature flavor and texture, but you can experiment with unsweetened non-dairy creamer and a vegan parmesan substitute if needed. The result won’t be quite as decadent, but still tasty and totally cozy!

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself and the people you love to a warm bowl of One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta — it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table. It couldn’t be simpler, but the creamy sauce and tender chicken truly taste like you spent all day cooking. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a staple in your weeknight rotation! Give it a try, and let the praise roll in.

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together easily in just one pan. Tender chicken, al-dente pasta, and a creamy parmesan sauce make this a perfect weeknight meal.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt & pepper. Pat the chicken dry and then rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.
Cook the Chicken: Bring a large pan to medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove and set aside.
Saute Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add more oil and butter. Cook onion with salt until tender. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add Pasta and Broth: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth. Add dry pasta, ensuring it’s submerged. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Finish the Dish: Turn off heat. Stir in parmesan, cream, and parsley until sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning. Add sliced chicken, toss, and serve.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian