If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances rich flavors with comforting textures, you have to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken seasoned to perfection and a luscious, creamy pasta loaded with sharp Parmesan and delightful garlic notes. This recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for family dinners or impressing friends without hours in the kitchen. Each bite of this dish offers a harmonious mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory elements that will make you want to come back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. These ingredients are not only easy to find but each plays a crucial role—whether it’s the savory depth from the chicken broth or the creamy tang from Parmesan cheese. Getting these just right will make all the difference in your final dish.
- Avocado or olive oil: Provides a healthy fat base for cooking chicken and sautéing aromatics, adding subtle flavor and aiding browning.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy when properly seasoned and cooked.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses herbs like oregano and basil into the chicken for aromatic flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken’s crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all flavors in the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth when cooking onions and garlic.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture, forming the base of the sauce alongside garlic.
- Garlic cloves: Brings a bold, aromatic punch that defines the dish’s character.
- Penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce and create a satisfying bite.
- Chicken broth: Used to cook the pasta and infuse savory flavor right into every noodle.
- Parmesan cheese: The key ingredient providing sharp, nutty creaminess that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- Heavy cream: Creates a velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken beautifully.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
First things first, pat your chicken breasts dry to ensure they develop a golden crust. Mix the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then rub this lively blend all over your chicken. Heat a skillet with avocado or olive oil until shimmering, and cook the chicken 3 to 5 minutes per side until it reaches that perfect juicy tenderness and an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest—it’ll stay juicy and be easier to slice later.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta with Onion and Garlic
Next, in the same pan (no need for a new dish, magic happens here!), melt butter and gently sauté the diced yellow onion until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing that incredible aroma. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits left from cooking the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Now add your penne pasta directly to the savory broth mixture, cover the pan, and let it cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. This method allows the pasta to soak in all those rich flavors while simultaneously becoming perfectly al dente without boiling a separate pot of water. It’s a total game-changer for convenience and taste!
Step 4: Combine Cheese, Cream, and Chicken
When the pasta is ready, stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency. Finally, slice up your rested chicken and gently toss it into the pan so every forkful has tender chicken pieces coated in that delectable sauce. Now, you’re ready to serve a dish that tastes just like a restaurant specialty but came from your own kitchen.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper can elevate the visual appeal and flavor of this recipe. For a little extra zing, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These small touches create fresh layers of flavor and make your dish look irresistible on the table.
Side Dishes
Because this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is rich and hearty, it pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus and broccoli. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can also complement the creamy sauce perfectly, letting you soak up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the chicken sliced and fanned out over a bed of pasta nestled in shallow bowls. Garnish each plate with freshly grated Parmesan curls and a sprig of parsley for an elegant touch. You can even turn this recipe into individual portions baked in ramekins topped with extra cheese for a bubbly golden crust—pure comfort food glamour!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to keep the creamy sauce texture optimal.
Freezing
While freezing this dish is possible, the texture of the creamy sauce might change slightly once thawed. To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and stir frequently to prevent sticking. This keeps the chicken tender and the pasta creamy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding onto the sauce, feel free to swap in fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free varieties depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Is it possible to use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperature. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven texture or undercooked meat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a thick plant-based milk. The flavors will differ slightly but still be delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is mild and flavorful without being spicy, making it a great family-friendly meal. You can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens more than you’d like, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and maintain that creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner that brings joy to your dinner table with every creamy, flavorful bite. It’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight but special enough to share with loved ones. So grab those simple ingredients and give this comforting dish a try—you’ll soon see why it’s one of my absolute favorite recipes to make and eat!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared with Italian seasoning and paprika, then combined with al dente penne pasta cooked in a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce. The addition of fresh parsley adds a bright finish to this comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
Sauce and Pasta
- 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
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture onto both sides of the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Pasta: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of avocado or olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté over medium heat until translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the dry penne pasta, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, add them back to the pan with the pasta, and gently toss everything together until combined and heated through. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce may be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this dish gluten-free.
- Butterflied chicken breasts cook more evenly and quickly.
- Feel free to swap penne with rigatoni or other short pasta shapes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are delicious reheated gently on the stovetop.
