Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Creamy & Flavorful Dinner

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken 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 inch 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 (normal, gluten free, or protein pasta); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

There's something about the warmth of melted parmesan and garlic mingling with tender chicken and pasta that just feels like comfort in a bowl. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers creamy, savory goodness with every bite, making it a go-to when you want an effortless but impressive meal on the table.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, it feels like serving up a special dinner without any fuss. The flavors blend beautifully to create a rich, satisfying dish that feels fancy but is honestly pretty simple to pull off.

One-Pan Wonder: You cook the chicken and pasta all in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Rich and Creamy Sauce: The blend of parmesan and cream gives the sauce a velvety texture that truly coats each noodle perfectly.
Comfort Food Vibes: This dish has that cozy, homey feel that makes it perfect for weeknights or anytime you want something soul-warming.
Customizable: Whether you want to add veggies, spice it up, or swap out your pasta, this recipe is super flexible.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here comes from combining simple, straightforward ingredients that balance each other perfectly — the creamy parmesan sauce pairs so well with the lightly seasoned chicken and al dente pasta, giving every bite layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend fresh garlic for the best punch, and good-quality parmesan because it truly makes a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of a raw boneless, skinless chicken breast, a small mound of Italian seasoning mixed with paprika, two whole uncracked brown eggs, half a jumbo yellow onion diced in a neat pile, several large garlic cloves whole and unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear avocado oil, a small white ceramic bowl with unsalted butter cubes, a handful of dry uncooked penne pasta, a small white ceramic bowl with golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Avocado oil (or olive oil): A mild-flavored oil that’s great for searing chicken without smoking or overpowering the dish.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Butterflied or pounded thin for quick, even cooking and tender results.
Italian seasoning: Brings herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to season the chicken beautifully without extra fuss.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps soften the aromatics.
Yellow onion: Diced finely for sweetness and depth in the sauce.
Garlic: Four to six cloves — fresh, minced garlic is key to that signature punch in the sauce.
Penne pasta (dry): Holds sauce well thanks to its shape; you can choose regular, gluten-free, or protein-packed noodles.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid for the pasta, adding savory notes and helping build the sauce base.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated and high quality for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess and salty, nutty flavor.
Heavy cream: Brings luscious, silky texture to finish the sauce with that rich touch.
Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant note and color contrast to the finished dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this dish with a little twist depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. You can easily swap penne for fusilli or spaghetti, or toss in some mushrooms or spinach toward the end for extra veggies. And for a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes never hurt anyone!

Variation: I've added sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of baby spinach in the last few minutes of cooking, and it brightens up the dish wonderfully without complicating the flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta and grilled chicken slices, the pasta is penne coated in a light tan sauce with small green herb pieces sprinkled throughout, the grilled chicken pieces are light brown with grill marks and scattered evenly on top, a black fork is holding a chunk of chicken and pasta in the bowl, behind the bowl is a silver pan with more pasta visible, all set on a wooden table with a white marbled texture and a white cloth nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by mixing the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your chicken breasts dry—that’s key for getting a nice sear. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken on both sides. Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook around 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Set the chicken aside to rest while you finish the sauce and pasta.

Step 2: Saute Onions and Garlic for Flavor

Lower the heat slightly to medium-low and add a bit more avocado oil along with the butter to the pan. Toss in the diced onion and sprinkle lightly with salt; this helps draw out moisture and sweetness. Stir occasionally for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and start to turn translucent. Then add the minced garlic, stirring for another minute or so until fragrant—this step builds the base for your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Right in the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scrapping up all those tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom – that’s where the flavor hides! Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then add the dry penne pasta. Push the pasta down with a spoon to submerge it fully. Cover the pan and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is just tender but still al dente.

Step 4: Add Cheese, Cream & Parsley for Creaminess

Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and parsley. This part is where the sauce really comes together, thickening slightly and coating the pasta luscious and smooth. Taste it and adjust your seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Slice Chicken & Toss to Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips and fold it into the creamy pasta mixture. Give everything a good toss so that every forkful has a bit of chicken, pasta, and sauce. Serve it right from the pan for a rustic, cozy touch.

Top Tip

Making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has been a solid weeknight winner in my kitchen, but I’ve learned a few little tricks that really enhance the final dish, so I’m happy to share them with you.

Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Before seasoning, pat your chicken dry with paper towels to get a perfect sear and a golden crust.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The noodles continue to cook slightly in the sauce, so removing them just shy of al dente keeps the texture spot on.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often has additives that stop it melting smoothly, so grating yours fresh delivers that silky cheesy sauce we all crave.
Rest Your Chicken: Let your chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender rather than dry and tough.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

garlic parmesan chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and brightness. Sometimes I add a light dusting of cracked black pepper or an extra pinch of parmesan cheese to really finish it off like a pro.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. A slice of crusty garlic bread never fails to complete the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this pasta in shallow bowls and add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a little chili flake for both texture and a touch of heat that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats really well, making for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this recipe because the cream sauce can separate after thawing, but if you want to, freeze it without the chicken, then add freshly cooked chicken when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Heat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. This keeps the pasta creamy and prevents it from drying out or clumping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. They’re juicier and more forgiving if you slightly overcook them, adding even more flavor to the dish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the regular penne pasta for a gluten-free variety. The cooking method stays the same, and you’ll still get that delicious flavorsome sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Avoid overheating the cream by stirring the sauce off the heat once you add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Also, use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best melting and texture.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions. Add them towards the end of cooking so they stay fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen rotation — it’s that comforting, delicious meal that doesn’t take all day but feels like a little indulgence. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it your own with whatever tweaks suit your taste buds. Trust me, once you get the hang of this recipe, it’ll become one of those weeknight wins you can always rely on.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way