Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy & Savory Dish
When I first tried making garlic parmesan chicken pasta, I was blown away by how delicious it turned out with so little effort. The creamy sauce wrapped around every bite of pasta, and the chicken came out perfectly tender.
I love that it all cooks in one pan, so I didn’t have to deal with a mountain of dishes afterward. It feels like a restaurant-style meal, but I can whip it up on a busy weeknight. Honestly, after the first bite, I knew this recipe was a keeper.
Ingredients
Each ingredient here has its own role, and I’ll share a few little tips I’ve learned while making this recipe.
- 2 boneless chicken breasts – cook quickly and stay juicy when seasoned properly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – gives a balanced mix of herbs that complement garlic perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – adds a gentle smoky warmth without overpowering.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic is a must; bottled garlic won’t give the same punch.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – melts into the sauce for that creamy, rich base.
- 1 yellow onion, diced – creates a sweet flavor base when caramelized.
- 2 cups chicken broth – not only flavors the dish but also helps cook the pasta right in the pan.
- 12 oz penne pasta – its ridges grab the sauce beautifully, but you can swap if needed.
- 1 cup heavy cream – gives the sauce its silky texture; don’t replace with milk or it won’t be as rich.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated – always grate it fresh; pre-grated tends to clump and doesn’t melt smoothly.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – for a fresh pop of flavor and color at the end.
- Salt and pepper to taste – adjust as you go to bring all the flavors together.
Note: This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for family dinner or meal prep.
Variations – Make It Your Way
This recipe is super flexible, and I love tweaking it depending on who I’m cooking for.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream or oat cream and swap parmesan with a vegan alternative.
- Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli right into the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Pasta swap: Try spaghetti, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta for different textures.
- Spicy kick: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes takes the creamy sauce to another level.
Cooking Time
This is a quick and comforting dish you can make any night.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
A few simple tools will make cooking much easier.
- Large pan with lid – cooks everything in one pan, pasta included.
- Sharp knife – for slicing chicken and chopping onion.
- Mixing bowl – to season the chicken evenly.
- Tongs – make flipping the chicken easier and cleaner.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring the sauce and scraping browned bits.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
This recipe comes together in simple steps. Here’s how I make it from start to finish.
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
I start by mixing Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. After patting the chicken dry, I coat it well with the seasoning mix. A hot pan with a little oil gives the chicken a nice golden crust in just a few minutes on each side. Once it’s cooked through, I take it out to rest while I focus on the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pan, I melt butter and toss in the diced onion. It softens and turns slightly sweet as it cooks. Then comes the garlic — just a minute of stirring brings out that amazing aroma without burning it. This step makes the kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Broth
Next, I pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to pick up all the flavor bits. Once it simmers, I add the pasta straight in. Covering the pan helps it cook evenly, and I stir every so often so it doesn’t stick. Cooking pasta in broth makes it extra flavorful.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is tender, I lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, parmesan, and parsley. Slowly, the parmesan melts into the sauce, creating that rich, velvety texture. A little salt and pepper at this point balances everything beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, I slice the chicken and add it back to the pasta, gently mixing it into the creamy sauce. I love finishing it with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and parsley before serving. It looks and tastes like a restaurant dish made at home.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up after making this recipe a few times.
- I always use freshly grated parmesan because it melts so much better.
- I check the chicken with a thermometer and pull it off the heat at 165°F — that keeps it juicy.
- If the sauce thickens too much, I splash in extra broth to loosen it.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it from drying out.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
This pasta shines on its own, but pairing it with sides makes it a full meal. I love serving it with garlic bread so I can scoop up every bit of sauce. A crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus balances out the richness. For garnish, I sprinkle more parmesan and parsley on top to make it extra pretty on the plate.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at what you’re eating per serving.
- Calories: 665
- Protein: 41g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fat: 32g
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
I usually season the chicken and chop the onion a day earlier. It makes the cooking process even faster when I’m short on time.
Refrigeration
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. I reheat them with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Freezing
This dish freezes fairly well for up to a month. I thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir everything together again while reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This pasta is comforting, flavorful, and easy to adapt. Here’s why I think it’s a winner.
- Quick to make: Just 35 minutes from start to finish.
- Creamy and flavorful: Garlic, parmesan, and chicken are a match made in heaven.
- Adaptable: Works with gluten-free, dairy-free, or extra-veggie versions.
- Easy cleanup: One pan means less mess in the kitchen.
- Comforting: A hearty meal that feels both cozy and gourmet.
