If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta. Tender strips of chicken, golden and seasoned just right, nestle into a dreamy pasta coated in a velvety, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Every bite is rich, hearty, and sure to have you sneaking seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Garlic-Parmesan Flavor: Fragrant garlic and nutty Parmesan soak into every bite, making both the chicken and pasta wildly flavorful.
- All-in-One Comfort: Protein, pasta, and creamy sauce come together for a satisfying dinner that checks all the cozy, comfort food boxes.
- Weeknight-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and comes together in about 35 minutes, so you can have a restaurant-worthy meal even on a busy day.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you’re gluten-free, love extra veggies, or want it extra cheesy, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta adapts to your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of everyday ingredients (plus a couple of tasty upgrades) come together for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta masterpiece. Each ingredient has its own special role—bringing flavor, creaminess, or that perfect golden color!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Butterflied or pounded, these cook up juicy and hold onto all those delicious seasonings.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herby depth and a little zing that keeps the chicken interesting.
- Paprika: Just a touch for gorgeous color and a gentle smoky undertone.
- Salt & pepper: The foundation for everything—season generously for the best flavor.
- Avocado oil or olive oil: For searing the chicken and building a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce richness and lets you control the salt.
- Yellow onion: Softened and sweet, onion adds subtle background flavor to the pasta and sauce.
- Garlic: The star! Don’t be shy—go big for that signature garlicky aroma and taste.
- Penne pasta: Holds sauce like a champ; you can sub gluten-free or protein pasta if you like.
- Chicken broth: Adds savoriness and helps infuse the pasta with flavor while it cooks.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for maximum meltiness—a must-have for the classic Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta finish.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce extra luscious and velvety.
- Chopped parsley: Brightens up the finished dish and gives a pop of color.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is how easy it is to mix things up! Don’t hesitate to make it your own—swap in veggies, adjust the creaminess, or spice it up depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Lighten It Up: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk if you want a lighter sauce.
- Try a Different Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or sliced Italian sausage for a fun twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a kick!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by whipping up a quick seasoning blend of Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry (for the best sear!) and rub both sides with your spice mixture. Heat a bit of oil in a large pan, then cook the chicken breast for 3-5 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and cooked through—juicy perfection. Set the chicken aside to rest while you make the pasta.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Pop a little more oil and butter in the same pan and lower the heat. Sauté the diced onion with a pinch of salt until it’s soft and starting to turn golden. Now add the minced garlic—just a minute will do, so it’s fragrant but not browned. This is where your kitchen starts smelling seriously amazing.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta
It’s time to deglaze! Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Once it’s bubbling, stir in your dry penne—make sure it’s mostly submerged. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and infused with all that garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Make It Creamy & Assemble
Turn off the heat and shower in the Parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley. Stir gently as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens—taste and tweak the salt and pepper if you’d like. Slice your perfectly rested chicken into strips, return it to the pan, and lovingly toss it all together. Voila! Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta, ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
- Butterfly or Pound the Chicken: Thinner chicken cooks faster and more evenly—plus you get more gorgeous seared surface for the seasonings to cling to.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Add garlic after the onion to avoid burning it. Burnt garlic can turn your sauce bitter, so keep the heat moderate and stir well.
- Finely Grate the Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly; take a moment to grate fresh for the glossiest, creamiest sauce.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let your chicken rest for a few minutes—it stays juicy and slices beautifully, making for an impressive final dish.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
Garnishes
A pretty sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil really wakes up the creamy sauce and gives each plate a little pop of green. For a touch of luxury, add extra freshly grated Parmesan and a dusting of cracked black pepper or a tiny bit of lemon zest right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a showstopper on its own, but simple sides make it feel extra special. Think a crisp Caesar salad, garlicky roasted broccoli, or even a basket of warm bread for sopping up that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For cozy family dinners, serve straight from the skillet at the table so everyone can help themselves. Want to impress? Arrange the sliced chicken artfully on top of each bowl, swirl the pasta high, and finish with a snowy mound of Parmesan and a fresh herb sprig.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days—making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, but keep in mind creamy sauces may separate a bit on thawing. Freeze in individual portions for grab-and-go meals—just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir often so everything heats evenly and stays creamy—not sticky.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is fantastic with shrimp, turkey cutlets, or even tofu if you’re looking for a meatless option. Adjust your cooking times as needed so each protein stays juicy and delicious.
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Which pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne is a great classic because it holds sauce inside and out, but rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—thicker shapes might need a little longer to reach that perfect al dente bite.
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Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?
Certainly! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, whole milk, or even evaporated milk. The sauce will be slightly less rich, but still satisfyingly creamy and flavorful.
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Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta ahead of time?
This recipe reheats well, so you can prepare it a day in advance. For the very best results, keep the cooked chicken and saucy pasta separate and combine when reheating so everything stays moist and the flavors stay fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a little kitchen magic, give this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta a try! It’s pure comfort in a bowl, reliable for busy weeknights or as a cozy treat. I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to dive into these creamy, garlicky noodles—there’s just nothing else like it. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with al-dente pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a perfect comfort food meal that is quick and easy to make for a delicious dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast butterflied or beaten down to about 1/2′ thickness
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 jumbo yellow onion diced (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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt & pepper. Rub the chicken with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Sear the seasoned chicken in avocado oil until cooked through.
- Prepare the Pasta: Sauté onion and garlic. Add chicken broth and pasta, then cook until al-dente.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley. Add sliced chicken, toss to combine, and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
