Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a dinner that feels like pure comfort but comes together faster than you can wrangle everyone to the table, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is your answer. This pasta dish is luxuriously creamy, vibrant with fresh garlic, and loaded with tender strips of seasoned chicken breast – all in a single pan! Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new dinner hero. The bold flavors, cheesy sauce, and easy clean-up will have you craving Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta every weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta comes down to a handful of everyday ingredients, each chosen for maximum flavor and that wow-worthy finish. Don’t skip on the fresh garlic or real parmesan — they are the stars of the show!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Sliced thin for quick cooking and irresistible tenderness.
• Avocado oil or olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds richness and helps the chicken brown nicely.
• Italian seasoning: This aromatic blend gives the chicken bold, herby flavor in every bite.
• Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the finished chicken.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the savory elements.
• Unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for the sauce and mellows the garlic.
• Jumbo yellow onion: Adds ultimate sweetness and depth as it caramelizes in the pan.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Don’t be shy — these bring the signature punchy flavor you crave!
• Dry penne pasta: Penne holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, but you can swap for your favorite shape.
• Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks right in the pan.
• Finely grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts best and gives that classic, nutty finish.
• Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to bind the sauce together.
• Chopped parsley: The fresh, green hit at the end brings everything to life.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by making sure your chicken breasts are either butterflied or pounded to an even half-inch thickness for super-fast, even cooking. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat your chicken dry, which helps it brown nicely, then rub the seasoning blend onto both sides. This quick step infuses the chicken with so much flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your pan over medium heat and swirl in some avocado (or olive) oil. Lay the prepared chicken breasts in, leaving space so they brown up beautifully. Cook each side for about three to five minutes until golden and the internal temperature hits 165F. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest – it’ll stay juicy and be perfect when sliced.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Turn the heat down a notch and add a gloopy knob of butter with a splash more oil. Toss in the diced onion, season with a pinch of salt, and let it soften for about three minutes, stirring now and then. When the onion is just turning translucent and sweet, stir in your mountain of minced garlic for one more aromatic minute – your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping the bottom to gather up every last bit of flavor left behind from the chicken and aromatics. Bring to a gentle boil, then pour in the dried penne. Give it a good stir to ensure all the pasta is submerged. Cover and let the pasta cook for around 10 minutes, just until al dente and full of savory goodness.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Take the pan off the heat, and here’s where the magic happens: sprinkle in the finely grated parmesan cheese, pour in a splash of heavy cream, and add a scatter of fresh parsley. Stir until the cheese melts and you have a luxe, thickened sauce that just coats every noodle. Taste and adjust the seasoning — a pinch of salt or crack of black pepper might be all you need.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Slice your rested chicken into hearty strips and nestle them back into the pan of creamy pasta. Give everything a gentle toss so that each piece of chicken gets its fair share of the cheesy, garlicky sauce. Now you’re ready to dive into pure Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta bliss!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Garnishes

No Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is complete without a cloud of extra parmesan cheese, some more fresh parsley for color, and a hint of freshly cracked black pepper. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is already hearty, but a simple side salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette or some roasted green veggies – like broccoli, asparagus, or even sautéed spinach – makes the perfect companion. For something more indulgent, a few slices of warm, crusty bread are lovely for mopping up every last drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

You can plate Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta family-style in a big, beautiful serving dish so everyone can help themselves, or try swirling individual nests of pasta on plates topped with sliced chicken and a flourish of herbs for extra elegance. Leftovers can even be baked with more cheese for a bubbly pasta bake twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, simply transfer the cooled Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but that just means even more flavor in every bite the next day.

Freezing

While creamy sauces can be tricky to freeze, this dish will hold up surprisingly well! Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, pressing out any excess air. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the smoothest sauce texture.

Reheating

To reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help the sauce loosen up, and warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of parmesan and parsley to wake up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well in Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta. They bring even more juiciness and flavor, so use whatever you have or prefer.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce creamy and smooth?

Finely grating your own parmesan (instead of the pre-shredded type) is key — it melts better and creates a silky sauce. Also, take the pan off the heat before stirring in the cheese and cream to prevent separation or clumping.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free penne or other short pasta and be sure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The flavor and creamy texture will be just as satisfying.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Stir in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli right at the end for pops of color and nutrition. You can customize the dish based on what’s in season or what you have in the fridge.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, don’t overcook it, and let it rest after searing before slicing. These simple steps will give you tender, moist chicken every time for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself to Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta – this dish is proof that a cozy, luxurious meal is just a few simple steps away. Give it a try and I promise, it’ll earn a regular spot in your dinnertime rotation!

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