Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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; ½ tsp paprika; Salt & pepper to taste; 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 (regular, gluten free, or protein pasta); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe. It’s an irresistible combination of juicy, seasoned chicken and tender pasta bathed in a velvety, cheesy sauce that somehow manages to hit all the right comfort-food notes. Best of all, this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes and uses just one pan, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a meal laid out on a metal tray placed on a white marbled surface. On the left side, there is a white round plate with three raw pale pink chicken fillets. Above the plate, there's a small white bowl filled with uncooked yellow penne pasta. Next to the pasta bowl, another white bowl holds a mound of finely shredded white cheese. To the right of the cheese, green leafy parsley fills the top corner of the tray. On the right side, there's a small white bowl holding a pale yellow cube of butter, a clear measuring cup with white milk, and another small white bowl with golden olive oil. At the bottom, a whole brown onion and two bulbs of garlic rest near a tall clear measuring cup filled with golden chicken broth. A small white bowl of mixed spices, including red, white, black, and dried green herbs, sits near the center. The scene is bright with natural light, highlighting the fresh and clean textures of the ingredients, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating this flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe. Each item contributes a touch of texture, aroma, or richness that transforms everyday components into something spectacular.

Avocado or olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables, adding a subtle fruitiness.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Tender and quick-cooking for a lean protein base that soaks up flavors beautifully.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings herbaceous depth to the chicken.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the seasoning.
Salt & pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing every element’s natural flavors.
Unsalted butter: Lends richness and helps develop a luscious sauce texture.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation when softened.
Garlic cloves: Mincing these releases a pungent, aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
Dry penne pasta: The ideal shape to hold onto sauce and mix effortlessly with chicken pieces.
Chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and depth while cooking the pasta in the same pan.
Parmesan cheese: Grated finely to melt smoothly into the creamy sauce for that signature cheesy flavor.
Heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky texture that truly brings this recipe to life.
Chopped parsley: A fresh, herby garnish that adds brightness and a pop of color.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by combining the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your chicken dry to ensure it sears properly, then rub both sides with this flavorful spice blend. This simple seasoning step allows the chicken to develop a savory crust that’s bursting with herbs and warmth.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a splash of avocado oil. Lay the seasoned chicken in the pan and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The goal is a juicy, golden-brown exterior locking in all the moisture. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest—this keeps it tender when sliced later.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low, add a bit more oil and the butter. Toss in the diced onion and season it lightly with salt. Stir occasionally as it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, cooking just long enough for its fragrance to fill the kitchen—about a minute. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Pasta

Pour the chicken broth into the pan, scraping up all those brown bits stuck to the bottom—those bits hold incredible flavor. Bring the broth to a light boil, then gently add your penne pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged. Those little pieces will absorb all the delicious broth as they cook.

Step 5: Cook Pasta Covered

Cover your pan with a lid and let the pasta cook undisturbed for about 10 minutes, or until it’s al dente—perfectly tender but still with a little bite. Cooking the pasta right in the broth ensures it soaks up maximum flavor and reduces cleanup, giving you more time to relax.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese, Cream, and Parsley

Turn off the heat and gently mix in the finely grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and luscious. Taste your creation and adjust salt and pepper as needed; this step is where all the magic comes together.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Slice your rested chicken into strips and fold them back into the pan with the pasta. Give everything a gentle toss so the flavors meld beautifully. Now your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is ready to serve—delicious, creamy, and comforting all at once!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

This image shows a close-up view of a large metal pan filled with creamy penne pasta and grilled chicken strips. The pasta is light yellow and coated in a smooth, creamy white sauce. On top and mixed in are many grilled chicken strips, which are golden brown with some darker grill marks and a slightly rough texture. The dish is sprinkled with green chopped herbs and finely grated white cheese, adding small specks of green and white throughout. The pan sits on a wooden table with a white marbled surface visible at the edge, and a white cloth is partially seen in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of extra grated Parmesan cheese brightens up the dish and adds a touch of elegance. If you want a bit of fresh zing, a twist of lemon zest on top also complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some roasted vegetables can provide lovely contrast in texture and flavor. Garlic bread or crusty bread is also fabulous for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce pooling around the chicken strips. For a more festive feel, garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can even sprinkle a few red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers quite delightful.

Freezing

This dish freezes well but keep in mind that the texture of cream-based sauces can change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers and use within 2 months for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating and to warm the chicken evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is recommended because it holds sauce well, feel free to substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe is perfect for meal prep since it stores well and reheats cleanly. Just pack individual portions for grab-and-go meals during busy weekdays.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, try substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream and cheese options. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will alter slightly but it will still be delicious.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can partially replicate the richness needed for the sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The best way is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cook until the juices run clear and the meat is firm but still moist.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe enough. Its combination of quick prep, minimal cleanup, and rich, comforting flavors makes it the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this dish always feels special while being surprisingly simple to pull off. Go ahead and try it tonight—you might just have a new favorite on your hands!