Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the definition of cozy comfort in a bowl: succulent golden chicken, fragrant garlic, heaps of real Parmesan, and perfectly cooked pasta wrapped in a rich, velvety sauce—all made effortlessly in a single pan. This crowd-pleaser is not just a dinner saver on busy nights but also has all the fixings of something special when you need to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish never fails to bring everyone back to the table for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a thousand ingredients to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta delicious—just the right ones, each working together to create layers of flavor and texture. Every element, from good olive oil to fresh Parmesan, has its own important role to play.

• Avocado oil or olive oil: Choose a high-quality oil for searing the chicken and building the flavor base of the sauce—avocado or olive oil both work (and add a subtle richness).
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (450g): Thinly butterflied or pounded to an even 1.25 cm thickness so it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
• Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): This blend brings together herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil, giving the chicken an authentic Italian flair.
• Paprika (0.5 tsp): Just a pinch adds gentle warmth and a tempting color to every slice of chicken.
• Salt, to taste: Use good sea salt and never skip tasting as you go for perfectly balanced flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning on both chicken and sauce.
• Avocado oil or olive oil (1 tbsp): A second addition for sautéing the onions and garlic—this helps layer flavor throughout the dish.
• Unsalted butter (1 tbsp): Adds a rich, creamy finish to your sauce (plus, it helps onions caramelize beautifully).
• Yellow onion (0.5 large, diced): A classic Italian base; dice it finely so it melts into the sauce.
• Garlic cloves (4–6 large, minced): The hero of this recipe—use more or less to match your garlic-loving heart.
• Penne pasta (225g): The tubular shape is perfect for catching that creamy sauce in every bite.
• Chicken broth (480 ml): Simmering the pasta directly in broth infuses it with flavor from the inside out.
• Parmesan cheese (100g, finely grated): Freshly grate your own for the smoothest, meltiest results—pre-shredded often doesn’t melt quite right.
• Heavy cream (120 ml): This is what gives the sauce that luscious, dreamy texture.
• Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Brings the perfect splash of green and a fresh herbal lift at the end.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by combining Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your chicken breasts dry—this helps the seasonings stick and gives you that crave-worthy golden crust. Rub the mixture all over both sides of each piece, infusing each bite right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium heat and swirl in your chosen oil. Once shimmering, lay the seasoned chicken in the pan. Sear undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes per side—don’t move them too early, or you’ll miss out on that perfect crust. Once the chicken is cooked through (74°C inside), transfer it to a plate and let it rest; the juices will redistribute so every slice comes out moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Reduce the heat a bit, then add a touch more oil and a pat of butter to the same pan. Toss in your diced onions and a small pinch of salt—cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about a minute; the kitchen should smell absolutely divine by this point!

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom (this is where loads of flavor hides). Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then stir in the penne. Make sure the pasta is as submerged as possible, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the pasta is al dente—about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Turn off the heat and add the finely grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and fresh parsley all at once. Stir, watching as the cheese melts into the broth, transforming it into a silky, lightly thickened sauce. Taste and add another pinch of salt or pepper if needed—don’t be shy with flavor here!

Step 6: Finish with the Chicken

Slice your rested chicken into thin strips. Gently add it back to the pan, tossing to coat everything in that gorgeous sauce. The juices from the sliced chicken add even more depth to your dish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pile the creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta onto plates or shallow bowls. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately for the ultimate comforting meal.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

There are endless ways to top your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for extra flair. A shower of fresh chopped parsley delivers color and a fresh note. Try a few extra shavings of Parmesan right before serving; the warm pasta will help it melt just enough. For a little texture, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or chopped toasted pine nuts on top is absolutely dreamy.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty, but pairing it with a light, crisp salad—think peppery arugula with a lemony vinaigrette—brings great balance. Warm, crusty garlic bread is the ultimate pasta partner for scooping up every drop of sauce. If you want something lighter, simple steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make bright and colorful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn everyday Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish by serving it in wide, shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs. For a family-style presentation, pile it up on a big platter and let everyone help themselves. Want an elegant appetizer? Serve mini portions in ramekins or small cups, topped with a little extra Parmesan and a toothpick for the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge, where it’ll stay perfectly tasty for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up more sauce as it sits, making leftovers even creamier.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, divide individual portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. While the sauce may thicken slightly after freezing (thanks to the cheese and cream), it will still taste fantastic. For best flavor, enjoy within one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce seems a bit thick, just stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore that creamy consistency. Reheat until piping hot, but try not to overcook, so the chicken stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for busy nights. Just shred or slice the meat and add it in at the end with the Parmesan and heavy cream—it’ll warm through without drying out.

What can I use instead of penne pasta?

Any short pasta shape works well—rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are great at holding onto the sauce. If you only have spaghetti or linguine, just break them in half before adding to the pan for even cooking.

How can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and double-check your chicken broth label. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still enjoy every indulgent, creamy bite.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or roasted bell peppers make fantastic additions. Stir them in just before you add the Parmesan and cream for an extra boost of color and nutrition.

Why is my sauce clumpy?

Clumpiness often happens if the Parmesan isn’t finely grated or is added while the liquid is too hot. Grate your cheese as fine as possible and turn off the heat before stirring it in for the smoothest, silkiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the kind of dinner that makes everyone’s eyes light up, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is it! With its creamy, garlicky embrace and plenty of golden chicken, this recipe might just steal the show at your next meal. Give it a try and make it your own—the leftovers (if you have any) are just as tempting!

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