Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner made with juicy seasoned chicken, tender penne, fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a silky cream sauce. Everything comes together in one pan for a satisfying meal that feels special without requiring complicated cooking.
With plenty of savory garlic flavor and a rich Parmesan sauce, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or an easy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines golden, seasoned chicken with tender pasta and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that coats every bite. Cooking the pasta directly in chicken broth also gives it extra flavor while keeping cleanup simple.
It is an approachable one pot chicken pasta that uses familiar ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. The mild, creamy flavors make it family-friendly, while garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan add enough depth to keep every serving interesting.
It is also flexible. You can use traditional penne, gluten-free pasta, or a higher-protein pasta depending on your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied or pounded to about ½-inch thickness
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4–6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces dry penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides evenly with the mixture.
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden and the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil and the butter to the same pan.
- Add the diced onion with a small pinch of salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and turn translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen the flavorful browned bits. Bring the broth to a gentle boil.
- Add the dry penne and stir well, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the broth. Cover and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or according to the pasta package directions, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the liquid level as it cooks.
- Turn off the heat. Add the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta warm, with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Use freshly and finely grated Parmesan whenever possible. It melts more smoothly than many packaged pre-shredded varieties and helps create a creamier sauce.
Pounding or butterflying the chicken to an even thickness encourages even cooking and helps prevent the thinner sections from drying out.
Keep the heat low when adding the Parmesan and heavy cream. Excessive heat can cause a creamy cheese sauce to become grainy or separate.
For the best creamy penne pasta, stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks in the broth. Different pasta varieties absorb liquid at different rates, so add a small splash of warm broth if the pan becomes too dry before the pasta is tender.
If you want additional vegetables, spinach, mushrooms, peas, or broccoli can be incorporated into the dish.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne and confirm that the chicken broth and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly when prepared with halal-certified chicken, chicken broth, Parmesan, and other applicable ingredients; gluten-free adaptable
Notes
Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts if you prefer darker, juicier meat. Cook them until they reach a safe internal temperature.
Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, although the final consistency may be thinner.
Other short pasta shapes such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle can work, but cooking times and the amount of broth required may vary.
For serving, pair this parmesan chicken pasta with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm garlic bread.
For strict halal preparation, check packaged chicken broth and cheeses for appropriate halal certification. Some cheeses can be produced using animal-derived enzymes that may not meet your dietary requirements.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving:
Calories: 680
Protein: 45 g
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Fat: 32 g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific brands, pasta, cheese, cream, and serving sizes used.
FAQ
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Because pasta continues absorbing sauce while refrigerated, add a small splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Can I make creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta without heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half is an easy alternative. The finished sauce will generally be lighter and slightly less rich than one prepared with heavy cream.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, or another short pasta can replace penne. Keep in mind that different shapes and pasta varieties may require adjustments to the cooking time or liquid.
Why did my Parmesan sauce turn grainy?
Very high heat can affect the texture of cheese-based sauces. Remove the pan from direct heat before stirring in finely grated Parmesan, then mix gently until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this easy chicken pasta dinner?
Yes. Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, peas, or zucchini are all good options. Choose when to add them based on how long each vegetable needs to cook.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Replace regular penne with your preferred gluten-free pasta. Watch the pasta closely because cooking and liquid requirements can differ between brands.
Storage
Refrigerator: Let leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: The cooked dish can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, although cream sauces and pasta may have a softer or slightly different texture after thawing.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave until thoroughly hot.
Similar Recipes
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- Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake – Creamy & Cheesy
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, butterflied or pounded to about ½-inch thickness
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 –6 large garlic cloves minced
- 8 ounces dry penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides evenly with the mixture.
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden and the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil and the butter to the same pan.
- Add the diced onion with a small pinch of salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and turn translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen the flavorful browned bits. Bring the broth to a gentle boil.
- Add the dry penne and stir well, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the broth. Cover and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or according to the pasta package directions, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the liquid level as it cooks.
- Turn off the heat. Add the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta warm, with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings together tender chicken, garlicky cream sauce, Parmesan, and comforting penne in one satisfying skillet. The simple preparation makes it practical for a weeknight, while the rich, creamy sauce gives it the feel of a cozy restaurant-style meal.
Once you have the chicken cooked and the aromatics softened, the pan does most of the remaining work. Serve it warm with vegetables, salad, or garlic bread for an easy chicken pasta dinner the whole family can enjoy.