Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy One-Pan Comfort Food

There’s something magical about a big, warm bowl of garlic parmesan chicken pasta. With its savory, creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and tender pasta all cooked in one pan, it’s the kind of comfort food that checks all the boxes—easy, flavorful, satisfying, and fast.

This dish isn’t just perfect for busy weeknights—it’s elegant enough for date night or casual entertaining. The garlic butter aroma filling the kitchen is just the beginning. And best of all? You’ll only need one skillet to make the whole thing.

Cooking chicken safely is essential for any recipe like this. Always make sure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. The USDA guidelines provide excellent tips for ensuring poultry safety at home, which is crucial before folding your chicken back into the pasta.

Equally important is how you handle your cheese—especially parmesan, which plays a starring role here. Be sure to use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce, and avoid clumping by storing it properly. Learn more about how to store parmesan cheese to preserve its freshness and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal: Less mess, more flavor.
• Creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce that clings to every bite.
• Pan-seared chicken brings rich flavor and texture.
• Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Easy to customize with add-ins like spinach or mushrooms.

Ingredients You’ll Need To garlic parmesan chicken pasta

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded to ½ inch thickness
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp avocado oil (prevents butter from burning)
• ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced
• 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep and Season the Chicken

• Pound or butterfly chicken to even thickness.
• In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Preheat a stainless steel skillet over medium heat (use the water test to check readiness).
• Add oil, then chicken. Sear for 3–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
• Remove from pan and let rest.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• Reduce heat to medium-low. Add oil and butter to the pan.
• Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

• Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the brown bits from the pan.
• Add uncooked pasta and stir to submerge.
• Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.

5. Add Cream and Cheese

• Turn off the heat.
• Stir in the parmesan and heavy cream until melted and creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Finish and Serve

• Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan.
• Toss everything to combine and garnish with parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Avoid overheating dairy—add cream and cheese off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Make sure pasta is fully submerged in broth to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t skip resting the chicken before slicing—it keeps juices inside.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

• Dairy-free: Use plant-based cream (e.g. Country Crock Plant Cream) and vegan parmesan.
• Protein alternatives: Try shrimp, tofu, or Italian sausage.
• Add-ins: Wilt in spinach, sauté mushrooms, or toss in steamed broccoli.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

How to Store and Reheat

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Can be eaten cold for pasta salad vibes!

Nutritional Snapshot (per serving)

• Calories: 665
• Protein: 41g
• Carbs: 53g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 14g

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Ideas

• Cook and store chicken separately for easy weekday assembly.
• Freeze pasta without the cream for best results—add fresh cream when reheating.
• Divide into meal prep containers for 3–4 ready-made lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Technically yes, but whole milk will yield a thinner, less satisfying sauce. Heavy cream is ideal for richness.

What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well because they hold the creamy sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook times may vary.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add roasted veggies or plant-based protein.

Is it spicy?
No, but feel free to add red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Cooking Hacks from the Pros

• Preheat your stainless steel skillet properly for a perfect sear.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
• Cook pasta in broth, not water, for more flavor.
• Use a lid during pasta simmering to trap steam and prevent drying.

Explore More Recipes Like This

• Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
• Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Final Thoughts

This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a recipe worth adding to your weeknight rotation. It’s a satisfying, one-pan dinner with bold flavor, a creamy finish, and easy cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a hungry family, it’s a meal that delivers every time.

Let the aroma of garlic and parmesan take over your kitchen—you’ll thank yourself later.

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