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Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner


  • Author: ELENE
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A one-pan creamy chicken parmesan pasta made with seared Italian-seasoned chicken, penne pasta, garlic, and parmesan cream sauce.


Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or pounded to ½” thickness)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil

For the Pasta:

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ large yellow onion, diced (~1 cup)
  • 46 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz penne pasta (normal, gluten-free, or high-protein)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream alternative)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt & pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Prep and Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Rub both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large pan. Sear chicken for 3–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temp). Remove and rest.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat. Add more oil and butter. Sauté onion ~3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
  3. Deglaze and Cook Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, scrape bottom of pan. Add penne pasta and stir to submerge. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
  4. Make Creamy Sauce: Turn off heat. Stir in grated parmesan, cream, and parsley until melted and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Combine and Serve: Slice cooked chicken and return to pan. Toss with pasta. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or parmesan.

Notes

This recipe can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions. Works well with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes as add-ins.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pan Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian-American