If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is just what you need. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
This recipe simplifies weeknight dinners by offering a quick, one-pan solution for tender chicken and pasta in a rich garlic parmesan sauce.
I know dinners can get hectic, especially on busy weeknights. It’s hard to find something both tasty and quick. But with this recipe, you’ll have everything ready in about 30 minutes. No more scrambling for takeout when you’re short on time!
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only easy to throw together, but it also cooks in just one pan. That means less cleanup for you, and you can focus on enjoying your meal. You won’t believe how rich and savory this dish turns out, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
If you want something extra to satisfy your guests, consider serving a delightful side like Creamy Bechamel Pasta Bake. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with this dish!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Flavor , The garlic and Parmesan create a savory sauce that makes every bite mouthwatering and satisfying. It’s comfort food at its finest.
- One-Pan Convenience , Everything cooks in one pan, which not only saves time but also makes cleanup a breeze. You’ll love how easy it is.
- Tender Chicken , The cooking method ensures that the chicken stays tender and full of flavor, so you get delicious bites every time.
- Easy Storage , Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep and quick lunches later.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breast: You’ll want boneless and skinless chicken, ideally butterflied or flattened a bit. It cooks more evenly that way, making each bite super tender!
- Penne pasta: Grab some dry penne, or gluten-free if you prefer! It holds onto sauce nicely, making every twirl a tasty treat. Cook it up in chicken broth for added goodness.
- Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water gives everything a lovely and rich taste! Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine if you’re in a pinch.
- Parmesan cheese: You’ll want a good quality grated parmesan for that nutty flavor! It really amps up the creaminess. Freshly grated is always a bonus!
- Heavy cream: This helps create the rich, luxurious sauce we’re after! If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half could work, but it won’t be as creamy.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If chicken isn’t cooking through, butterflying it to ½ inch thickness will help it cook faster and more evenly.
- When reheating pasta, ensure it’s cooked to al-dente to prevent mushiness; reduce heating time accordingly.
- For avoiding sauce curdling, wait until turning off the heat before adding any dairy products.
- If using a non-stick pan, consider switching to stainless steel for better cooking results with your garlic parmesan chicken.
- When cooking pasta, make sure it is fully submerged in chicken broth to absorb maximum flavor during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair garlic parmesan chicken pasta with crusty bread for a hearty meal. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or add a side salad for nutrition.
- This dish works well in other recipes like pasta salad or as a filling in a wrap. It also makes a delightful addition to baked dishes or casserole meals.
- Top the garlic parmesan chicken pasta with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Consider adding grated cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your garlic parmesan chicken pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing.
- Freezing: Wrap portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir frequently for even heating.
Recipe Variations
- You can use zoodles or chickpea pasta instead of penne for a low-carb or high-protein alternative.
- Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick of heat or 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Either swap the chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option or use scallops for a luxurious seafood experience.
- If you’re cooking for a smaller group, reduce the chicken to ½ lb and the pasta to 4 oz to maintain the recipe’s flavor.
More Similar Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
A delicious and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta dish that’s easy to make on the stovetop!
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Small bowl
- large pan with lid
- Tongs
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast butterflied or beaten down to about 1/2 inch thickness
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 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, 150g)
- 4-6 large cloves garlic minced (about 20g)
- 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
Instructions
- Start by boiling chicken broth in a pot and adding your penne. Give it a gentle stir and let it simmer until the pasta’s cooked just right—al dente. This adds flavor, making everything more savory. Avoid overcooking the pasta to ensure it stays firm later.
- In a large skillet, heat some avocado oil over medium heat. Add the butterflied chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown, smelling fantastic and looking crispy on the outside. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will not brown properly.
- Remove the chicken and toss in diced onions and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until the onions are sweet and translucent, about five minutes. This fragrant mix adds a nice depth to your dish. Watch closely—garlic can burn easily if you leave it unattended.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the cooked pasta along with some of that savory chicken broth. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan until everything is well-coated and a little bubbly. The sauce should feel creamy and luxurious. Be careful not to let the sauce boil too vigorously; otherwise, it might separate.
- Once the sauce is ready, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. It should look bright and inviting. Serve right away to enjoy the creamy goodness while it is hot!
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and let it cool completely before sealing.
Use a stainless steel pan for best results. Butterfly or beat down the chicken to 1/2 inch thick for quicker cooking. Cook the pasta in chicken broth for more flavor. Ensure the pasta is submerged in broth during cooking. Add dairy products after turning off the heat to prevent curdling.
Leave a Reply