Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
The first time I tried this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe, I couldn’t believe how effortless it was to create something so rich and flavorful. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all came together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but comes together fast enough for a busy weeknight. Trust me, the way this recipe fills your kitchen with the aromas of garlic and parmesan is worth every second spent cooking, and your family will be asking for seconds!
Credit: munchinwithmaddie
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious dish. Each ingredient adds a special touch, so choosing the right ones matters!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded to ½-inch thick): This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon paprika: These classics provide a robust, earthy flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout the process.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil): Perfect for searing because of its high smoke point.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and enhances flavor.
- ½ large yellow onion, diced (roughly 1 cup): Gives the sauce a sweet, savory base.
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the show! Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish.
- 2 cups chicken broth (regular or low-sodium): Enhances flavor while cooking the pasta directly in the broth.
- 8 ounces penne pasta (regular or gluten-free): Penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is ideal): Melts smoothly for that creamy, cheesy finish.
- ½ cup heavy cream: The key ingredient for achieving the velvety sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Perfect for a fresh pop of color.
Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously. Adjust quantities if cooking for a crowd!
Variations for This Recipe
Looking to customize your dish? Here are some creative tweaks to make this recipe your own:
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative, and substitute vegan parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular penne for gluten-free pasta like chickpea or brown rice pasta.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to pack in extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way in adding heat!
- Cheese Twist: Experiment with Romano or Pecorino for a sharper taste.
For another creamy delight, check out this Chipotle Bacon Alfredo Recipe for a smoky twist on pasta.
Cooking Time
You’ll have this dish on the table in no time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s a quick list of tools to make things easy in the kitchen.
- Large pan with lid: Perfect for cooking everything in one pot.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For prepping the chicken, onions, and garlic.
- Small bowl: To mix chicken seasonings.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken easily.
- Spatula or spoon: For stirring the sauce and pasta.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta?
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by ensuring your chicken breasts are about ½-inch thick for even cooking. Use a meat mallet or butterfly larger pieces if needed. Mix the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub generously on both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about three minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute to release its aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in Broth
Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth and scraping the flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Stir well to submerge the pasta, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
With the heat off, stir in the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a handful of parsley. Mix until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and toss it back into the pan with the pasta and sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and parmesan, if desired.
Credit: munchinwithmaddie
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Perfect
After making this a few times, here are my top tricks to ensure yours turns out flawlessly:
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese to avoid clumps in the sauce. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t rush the chicken sear; the golden crust adds incredible flavor.
- Cook pasta directly in the broth for deeper flavor absorption. Avoid adding water unless absolutely necessary.
- Turn off the heat before adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling.
- Adjust consistency as needed with a splash of broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
For a twist, you might also enjoy this Bacon Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe, which pairs beautifully with similar creamy flavors.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta?
Presentation makes this already-impressive dish even better! Serve it in shallow bowls or pasta plates to showcase the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and a sprinkle of parmesan for flair. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For added elegance, a glass of white wine like Chardonnay complements this meal beautifully.
Nutritional Information
This hearty dish provides a delicious balance of macronutrients. Approximate values for one serving are:
- Calories: 665
- Protein: 41 grams
- Carbohydrates: 53 grams
- Fat: 32 grams
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to enjoy leftovers without compromising quality:
- Storing: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Pasta with cream sauce can change texture slightly when frozen. For best results, freeze the chicken separately and reheat the pasta within a month.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This one-pot wonder has something for everyone!
- Quick and easy: Make it from scratch in just 35 minutes.
- Versatile: Simple ingredients allow for endless customization.
- One-pan preparation cuts down on cleanup.
- Comforting flavors your entire family will adore.
- Restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost.
With its irresistible combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and tender pasta, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it tonight and watch how quickly it disappears! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by ensuring your chicken breasts are about ½-inch thick for even cooking. Use a meat mallet or butterfly larger pieces if needed. Mix the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub generously on both sides of the chicken.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about three minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth and scraping the flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Stir well to submerge the pasta, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- With the heat off, stir in the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a handful of parsley. Mix until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and toss it back into the pan with the pasta and sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese to avoid clumps in the sauce. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t rush the chicken sear; the golden crust adds incredible flavor.
- Cook pasta directly in the broth for deeper flavor absorption. Avoid adding water unless absolutely necessary.
- Turn off the heat before adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling.
- Adjust consistency as needed with a splash of broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
