If you’re craving a cozy, restaurant-style meal without spending your entire evening in the kitchen, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Everything cooks in one pan, making it the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something comforting but don’t have time for a complicated recipe.
Despite being effortless, this dish still feels special. The tender chicken, velvety garlic-parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a way that tastes like it came from a favorite Italian-inspired restaurant. Pair it with bread or a crisp salad and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that works just as well for date night as it does for an easy family dinner.
And yes… garlic lovers, this one is absolutely for you.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
There are so many reasons this dish has quickly become a go-to comfort food:
- It all cooks in one pan, which means fast prep and incredibly easy cleanup.
- The sauce is luxuriously creamy with a bold garlic flavor and lots of parmesan.
- It’s a full meal built with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
- Ready in about 30–35 minutes, start to finish.
- Works for weeknights, special occasions, or meal prep.
- Uses simple pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients.
This is the kind of recipe that fits seamlessly into everyday life while still feeling like a treat.
What You’ll Need to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
To keep things easy and flavorful, this recipe uses accessible ingredients you may already have at home.
For the Chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast – Thin the chicken to about ½ inch thick so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt & Pepper – A simple seasoning blend to give the chicken a savory, golden crust.
- Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil) – Helps create a clean sear on the chicken and handle higher heat.
For the Pasta
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the base of the sauce.
- Avocado Oil – Mixed with butter to prevent burning.
- Yellow Onion – Adds aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Fresh Garlic – The star of this dish; don’t skimp!
- Chicken Broth – Provides more flavor than boiling pasta in water.
- Penne Pasta – Holds the sauce beautifully, but any pasta shape works.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the silky, creamy texture you want in a parmesan sauce.
- Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a rich finish.
- Fresh Parsley – Brings color and a fresh herbal touch.
- Salt & Pepper – Adjust to taste at the very end.
How to Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s how everything comes together in one pan:
1. Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry. Mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then rub the seasoning on both sides of the chicken. Thinner pieces will cook more evenly and give you that perfect golden exterior.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add oil. Sear the chicken for about 3–5 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Set the cooked chicken aside to rest while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Lower the heat slightly and add butter with a bit more oil. Once melted, add diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, then stir in the minced garlic. This step builds the flavor foundation for your sauce.
4. Deglaze the Pan and Add Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it come to a gentle boil, then add the dry pasta. Stir to ensure all the pasta is coated and mostly submerged. Cover and cook until the pasta is al dente.
5. Add the Cream, Parmesan & Parsley
Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, and freshly chopped parsley. The residual heat will melt the cheese and create a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Return the Chicken to the Pan
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and mix it into the pasta. Toss everything together so the chicken absorbs some of the sauce. Plate immediately while warm.
Tips for Preheating a Stainless Steel Pan
Using stainless steel can feel intimidating at first, but once you understand how to preheat it properly, it’s one of the best tools for achieving a beautifully seared chicken breast.
- Let the pan heat up for several minutes.
- Test by sprinkling a drop of water onto the pan.
- If it evaporates instantly, it’s not hot enough.
- If it forms a small bead that “dances” across the surface, it’s ready.
- Add oil only after the pan is preheated.
- Place the chicken in the pan and avoid moving it too soon—once it naturally releases, it’s ready to flip.
Following these steps prevents sticking and ensures a gorgeous golden crust.
Can You Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Gluten-Free?
Absolutely. Simply swap the regular pasta with your preferred gluten-free brand. Cooking times may vary, so check the package and adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Can You Make It Dairy-Free?
You can make a dairy-free version with:
- A plant-based cream alternative
- Vegan butter or additional oil
- Dairy-free parmesan
Keep in mind that vegan parmesan sometimes melts differently than regular cheese, so the texture may vary slightly.
Can You Use Milk Instead of Heavy Cream?
For best results, heavy cream is strongly recommended. Milk won’t give you the same silky consistency and may lead to a thinner, less luxurious sauce. If you must use milk, choose whole milk and expect a lighter sauce.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
This dish is filling but still pairs wonderfully with:
- Roasted vegetables (broccoli is ideal)
- A fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread
If you want to bulk up the veggie content, you can stir handfuls of fresh spinach directly into the sauce right before serving.
Expert Tips
- A stainless steel pan gives the best sear on the chicken.
- Make sure the chicken is evenly thinned for consistent cooking.
- Cooking the pasta in broth enhances the flavor noticeably.
- Keep the pasta mostly submerged while cooking.
- Add dairy only after turning off the heat to avoid curdling.
Storing Leftovers
This dish reheats beautifully and even tastes great cold. Store leftovers in an airtight container once fully cooled, and refrigerate for up to three days. If you cooked your pasta to al-dente, it will hold its texture without getting mushy.
Print
A Comforting One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied or thinned to ½ inch
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt & 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)
4–6 garlic cloves, 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 fresh parsley
Extra salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Combine Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then rub the mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large pan over medium heat and drizzle in the avocado oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook 3–5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and set aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and remaining oil to the pan. Once melted, add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant. -
Add Broth & Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the brown bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle boil. Add the dry pasta and stir so it is mostly submerged. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. -
Make the Sauce
Turn off the heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and parsley. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. -
Finish the Dish
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the pan. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- Freshly grated parmesan melts best and prevents clumping. Use the smallest holes on your grater for a fine, fluffy texture.
- Don’t reheat the sauce over high heat — it may cause curdling. Gentle heat works best.
- If using gluten-free pasta, check the cooking time on the package and adjust so it doesn’t overcook.
- Add spinach at the end for an easy way to include more vegetables.
- If your sauce seems too thick, splash in 1–2 tablespoons of extra broth.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
