I absolutely love how this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe comes together — it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and a little fancy at the same time. The creamy Parmesan sauce clings perfectly to every bite of tender pasta and juicy chicken, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but totally delicious.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into such a rich, flavorful meal. You’ll find that it’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing friends without having to fuss over complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: You cook the chicken and the pasta sauce all in one pan, which means less cleanup—always a win in my book.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: The garlic and Parmesan combo takes this dish from everyday to restaurant-quality comfort food.
- Family Favorite: My crew literally goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too once they taste it.
- Quick & Easy: It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe come together in a way that balances richness with fresh flavors. Keep an eye out for good-quality Parmesan cheese since it really makes the sauce sing.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Butterflied or pounded thin for even cooking; this makes the chicken tender and juicy.
- Avocado oil or olive oil: Great for searing chicken without smoke, avocado oil has a neutral taste that lets the seasoning shine.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a lovely herby depth blending oregano, basil, and thyme perfectly with the garlic and Parmesan.
- Paprika: Just a touch for color and subtle smokiness.
- Yellow onion: Diced finely to soften into a sweet base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that bold, aromatic flavor.
- Penne pasta: Regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta works- just ensure it’s dry pasta that cooks up al dente.
- Chicken broth: The secret to infusing the pasta with flavor as it cooks right in the pan.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key—I always use the smallest holes on my grater so it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Heavy cream: Adds that silky richness that binds the sauce beautifully.
- Chopped parsley: For freshness and a pretty finishing touch.
Variations
I love playing around with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe depending on what we have on hand or what I’m craving—feel free to make it your own by swapping or adding ingredients!
- Using Shrimp Instead of Chicken: I once swapped chicken for shrimp and it was a hit—just reduce the cooking time so the shrimp stays tender.
- Vegetable Boost: Add in some spinach or cherry tomatoes when you add the garlic for a colorful, nutritious twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative; it’s surprisingly good!
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds nice heat that my family really enjoys.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by mixing Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your butterflied chicken dry—that’s key to getting a nice sear. Rub both sides of the chicken with the seasoning mixture, then heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Don’t rush this part—you want a golden crust. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest; this keeps it juicy when you slice it later.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Turn the heat to medium-low and add another splash of avocado oil plus the butter to the same pan. Toss in the diced onion and sprinkle with a little salt to help it soften. Cook, stirring now and then, for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute—don’t let it brown or it’ll turn bitter.
Step 3: Deglaze and Cook the Pasta
This is the fun part! Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those wonderful browned bits from the bottom of the pan; that’s where tons of flavor hides. Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then add the dry penne pasta. Stir everything well so the pasta is submerged, then cover the pan and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye on it—the pasta will soak up the broth and get infused with flavor.
Step 4: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Chicken
After the pasta is perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley until everything is well combined and the sauce thickens slightly. Give it a quick taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Then slice your rested chicken into strips and gently fold it into the pasta. Serve immediately—you’re in for creamy, garlicky goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
- Get That Perfect Sear: Make sure the chicken is dry before seasoning to get a golden crust without steaming the meat.
- Freshly Grate Your Parmesan: I discovered freshly grating the cheese with the smallest holes prevents clumping and melts silkily into the sauce.
- Taste Before Seasoning: After adding cream and cheese, taste the sauce first since cheese adds saltiness.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy as it soaks in the sauce—check periodically during the 10-minute cooking.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, I add a little extra freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good olive oil for richness right before serving.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted broccoli for some crunch—both add balance to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to plate it in shallow bowls topped with a nice sprig of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten things up. It looks elegant but doesn’t take much extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to refrigerate the chicken and pasta together so the flavors meld, just make sure to reheat gently.
Freezing
Though the cream sauce can slightly change texture after freezing, I’ve had good results freezing this dish in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the sauce creamy when reheating, I warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is what I usually use because it holds sauce well, you can substitute with fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure your pasta cooks al dente.
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Is it okay to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for coconut milk or another creamy non-dairy option, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.
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How do I prevent the Parmesan cheese from clumping in the sauce?
My trick is to freshly grate the Parmesan using the smallest holes on the grater. Also, add it off the heat or with the heat turned off while stirring constantly so it melts smoothly without clumping.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and pasta separately and combine them just before serving to keep flavors fresh. Otherwise, store the complete dish in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for how reliably it pleases everyone and how quickly it comes together. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find it just as comforting and delicious as I do. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be a recipe you go back to again and again whenever you want a fuss-free, creamy dinner with bold flavors.
