Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil; 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied or pounded to 1.25 cm thickness; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 0.5 teaspoon paprika; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 0.5 large yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup); 4 to 6 large garlic cloves, minced; 225 grams dry penne pasta; 480 millilitres chicken broth; 100 grams finely grated Parmesan cheese; 120 millilitres heavy cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food: rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish everyone at the table will request again and again! Tender golden-seared chicken rests atop perfectly cooked penne, all draped in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together easily, this recipe is absolutely for you.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how straightforward the ingredients list is—every item here serves a real purpose. From juicy chicken and aromatic garlic to nutty Parmesan, these components come together for an unforgettable bite!

Avocado oil or olive oil: Smooth, neutral oil that helps with beautiful searing and adds just a touch of richness.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: For ultra-tender, fast-cooking protein that soaks up all those Italian seasonings.
Italian seasoning: Lends an herby, fragrant backbone to the chicken, giving it true Italian-inspired flair.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a lovely color to the chicken’s crust.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor—taste as you go to get it just right.
Freshly ground black pepper: Brightens up the dish and brings depth to every bite.
Unsalted butter: For that extra silkiness and a hint of indulgence in the sauce.
Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, it melts into the background, offering sweetness and balance.
Large garlic cloves: The true star—freshly minced for a full, aromatic punch in the sauce.
Penne pasta: Holds sauce in every nook and cranny, making every forkful creamy and satisfying.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory depth and keeps the sauce light.
Finely grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for that nutty, salty, melted sauce everyone loves.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich, dreamy, and oh-so-silky.
Chopped fresh parsley: Finishes everything off with a burst of freshness and color.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by whisking together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pat your chicken breasts dry (this really helps get that golden crust), then generously coat both sides with the spice mixture. This quick step is key for infusing your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with deep, irresistible flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium and swirl in a bit of oil. Sear the seasoned chicken, letting it develop a nice brown crust—about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Once it’s cooked through and hits 74°C (juicy, not dry!), transfer to a plate to let it rest. Don’t forget: resting keeps all those tasty juices inside!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

With the heat on medium-low, add a little more oil plus a pat of butter to your pan. Toss in the diced onion with a pinch of salt, stirring until it’s soft, sweet, and translucent. Then, add the star—the garlic—for just a minute, until it’s fragrant and irresistible.

Step 4: Deglaze and Cook Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits left from the chicken (that’s pure flavor magic!). Bring it to a gentle boil, add the penne, and make sure it’s nestled under the broth. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is perfectly al dente and brimming with chickeny, garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan, heavy cream, and fresh parsley. The cheese melts into a silky sauce while the cream thickens everything up. Taste and adjust salt and pepper—you want every forkful of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to pop with flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Combine Chicken

Once your chicken has rested, slice it thinly against the grain (for extra tenderness). Add those succulent strips back into the pan with your pasta, tossing everything together so the chicken soaks up the creamy, garlicky sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Divide the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta between bowls or plates, sprinkle over a little extra parsley, and serve right away while it’s piping hot and extra luscious.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Dress up your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta by showering it with extra chopped parsley, a little more grated Parmesan, and a few grinds of black pepper. For a restaurant-style flair, add a drizzle of good olive oil and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich and creamy, so it loves a crisp green salad or roasted veggies alongside. Garlic bread or a simple French baguette is perfect for swiping up every last drop of that dreamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, try serving individual portions in shallow bowls topped with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs. Or, plate the sliced chicken fan-style on top, letting the sauce pool underneath—your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta will look like it came straight from a trattoria!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay tasty for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken a bit, but it’ll still be full of flavor.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions for a quick weeknight comfort fix. Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then stash in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just note the sauce may separate slightly when reheated but will blend back together with a stir.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. If using the microwave, add a bit of liquid and heat in short bursts, stirring often so everything cooks evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne is classic, but feel free to swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—just check the cooking time and adjust as needed so your pasta stays al dente.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish without drying it out?

The key is to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating on the stove or in the microwave. This helps revive the sauce, keeping everything moist and delicious. Stir often, and warm gently!

Can I substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream?

You can, but keep in mind the sauce will be a bit lighter and slightly less silky. If you’re after maximum richness, stick with heavy cream, but half-and-half certainly works in a pinch.

Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta spicy?

Not at all! This recipe is classic and mild. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne—easy and customizable.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes! Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a great meal-prep option. Just cook as directed, store in single-serve containers, and reheat with a splash of broth for creamy results all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold flavors and crave a creamy, comforting dinner, do yourself a favor and make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta soon! Share it with friends, family, or just treat yourself—you’ll be glad you did, and chances are, everyone will be asking for seconds.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a satisfying and comforting meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat chicken breasts dry and rub seasoning mixture evenly over both sides.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add avocado oil, then add the seasoned chicken. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 74°C. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.
Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add remaining avocado oil and unsalted butter to the pan. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
Deglaze and Cook Pasta: Pour chicken broth into the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil. Add dry penne pasta, stirring to ensure pasta is submerged. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
Finish the Sauce: Turn off heat. Add finely grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley to the pan. Stir until Parmesan is fully melted and sauce is slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Slice and Combine Chicken: Slice rested chicken into thin strips. Add chicken to the pan with the pasta and toss well to integrate.
Serve: Divide between plates and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian