Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a go-to dish that’s easy to make and full of tasty flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen, helping families enjoy a warm meal together quickly. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a recipe that makes cooking feel simple and fun.

One of the best parts is how straightforward the prep is, letting you focus on other things while dinner cooks. You’ll get a good mix of nutrients from ingredients like chicken, which provides protein to keep you full, and garlic that adds a nice boost. Many home cooks, busy parents, and even students appreciate how it can be tweaked for different diets, like going gluten-free or lighter.

Plus, it’s super flexible, so you can change it up based on what you have on hand or your family’s tastes. For more ideas on similar dishes, check out our creamy chicken and bacon pasta that pairs well with this one. The blend of garlic and parmesan creates a comforting taste that’s hard to beat, making it a favorite for all ages from seniors to baking enthusiasts.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you’ll need a mix of simple items that come together for a delicious meal. Let’s break down the ingredients into clear categories, using exact measurements for easy shopping and prep. This ensures you get the right amounts every time.

For the Chicken

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied or beaten down to about ½ inch thickness
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and 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 to 6 large cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces dry penne pasta (regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

These ingredients make the dish adaptable for special diets, such as using gluten-free pasta or plant-based swaps. Remember, fresh garlic and grated Parmesan really make the flavors pop, so grab the best you can find. For more on healthy eating, see our guide on health benefits of chicken.

How to Prepare the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is easy and fun let’s walk through it step by step. First, mix 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast dry and rub the seasoning on both sides for great flavor.

Next, heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil. Cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side until it hits 165°F inside, then take it out to rest. Now, lower the heat to medium-low, add another 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil along with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the pan.

Sauté the ½ jumbo yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup) with a bit of salt for about 3 minutes until it’s soft and clear, then toss in the 4 to 6 large cloves garlic (minced) and cook for 1 more minute. Deglaze with 2 cups chicken broth, scraping up those tasty bits, and bring to a light boil. Add 8 ounces dry penne pasta, stir to submerge it, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until it’s just right.

Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley until everything melts and thickens. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, slice the chicken into strips, mix it back into the pan with the pasta, and serve it up warm. For another tasty option, try our parmesan-crusted chicken breast recipe for a twist.

this …

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Making this garlic parmesan chicken pasta work for your needs is simple with a few smart swaps. For protein, try tofu or tempeh instead of chicken if you’re going plant-based, or switch to shrimp for a seafood vibe. These changes keep the dish hearty and full of flavor while fitting different tastes.

When it comes to veggies and sauce, add spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and color. For cream, use coconut cream if you’re avoiding dairy, and tweak seasonings with basil or oregano to make it your own. These options help everyone enjoy the meal, whether you’re watching calories or exploring new flavors.

Remember, sticking to fresh ingredients like the 4 to 6 large cloves garlic makes a big difference. As one cook shared, “Swapping in veggies not only adds crunch but also makes the pasta feel lighter and more exciting.” For cooking tips from the community, check out tips for cooking pasta.

Mastering Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your garlic parmesan chicken pasta to the next level, start with pro techniques like marinating the chicken in garlic and herbs ahead of time for deeper flavor. You can also finish the sauce with a splash of white wine if you have it on hand. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, melty texture that blends perfectly.

Experiment with flavors by adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to mix things up. For presentation, top with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil to make it look as good as it tastes. If you’re prepping in advance, cook the chicken and sauce earlier, then combine with fresh pasta right before eating.

These ideas help you get creative while keeping the dish quick and delicious. As a helpful note, pounding the chicken to ½ inch thickness ensures it cooks evenly, just like in the tips for a golden sear. Adding spinach at the end is a great way to slip in extra veggies, making it ideal for families.

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Best Practices

Keeping your garlic parmesan chicken pasta fresh is key to enjoying leftovers. Pop it in an airtight container and fridge it for up to 3 days to keep it safe and tasty. If you want to save it longer, freeze in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up.

When reheating, use the stove or microwave and add a little milk or cream to keep it creamy. For meal prep, divide into single servings for easy grabs during the week. This way, you can have a quick meal ready without much fuss, perfect for busy parents and working pros.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

🍗 This Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Pasta delivers a perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken paired with a rich and luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
🧄 The one-pan recipe makes cooking straightforward and cleanup easy, offering a comforting and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil for cooking chicken

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied or beaten down to about ½ inch thickness

– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

– ½ teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil for cooking pasta

– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

– ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)

– 4 to 6 large cloves garlic, minced

– 8 ounces dry penne pasta (regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta)

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

– ½ cup heavy cream

– 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-Getting started with this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is easy and fun let’s walk through it step by step. First, mix 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast dry and rub the seasoning on both sides for great flavor.

2-Next, heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil. Cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side until it hits 165°F inside, then take it out to rest. Now, lower the heat to medium-low, add another 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil along with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the pan.

3-Sauté the ½ jumbo yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup) with a bit of salt for about 3 minutes until it’s soft and clear, then toss in the 4 to 6 large cloves garlic (minced) and cook for 1 more minute. Deglaze with 2 cups chicken broth, scraping up those tasty bits, and bring to a light boil. Add 8 ounces dry penne pasta, stir to submerge it, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until it’s just right.

4-Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley until everything melts and thickens. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, slice the chicken into strips, mix it back into the pan with the pasta, and serve it up warm. For another tasty option, try our parmesan-crusted chicken breast recipe for a twist.

Notes

🍳 Use a stainless steel pan and preheat properly for a golden sear on chicken.
🍗 Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
🍝 Cook pasta mostly submerged in broth for best texture and flavor.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 665 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1021 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 138 mg