Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Creamy One-Pan Dinner You’ll Crave

Few dishes deliver the same comfort, flavor, and convenience as Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This creamy, savory pasta is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions. Packed with juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce, it’s a dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight recipe or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this one-pan chicken pasta will become a go-to in your kitchen. The best part? Minimal cleanup.

Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Works Every Time

This creamy chicken pasta recipe is a winner because:

• It’s ready in about 30 minutes.
• You cook the pasta directly in the sauce for maximum flavor.
• It’s versatile, easily adaptable for different proteins, veggies, and dietary needs.
• One pan means less mess and faster cleanup.

When prepping your chicken, check out this guide on how to keep chicken cutlets juicy and delicious every time to ensure tender, flavorful bites in every forkful.

Ingredients Needed For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (½” thick)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (1 cup)
• 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz dry penne pasta
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-ins:

• Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes

How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Prep the chicken: Pat dry, season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook 3–5 min per side until golden and 165°F internally. Remove to rest.
3. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add butter and onion. Cook until translucent, then add garlic for 1 minute.
4. Deglaze & cook pasta: Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Add pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Cover and cook until al dente.
5. Finish the sauce: Turn off heat, stir in Parmesan, cream, and parsley until melted and creamy.
6. Combine & serve: Slice chicken, return to pan, and toss with pasta. Season to taste.

Pro Tips for Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Always add dairy after turning off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a silky sauce.
• Deglaze the pan to lift flavor-rich bits into your sauce.
• Ensure pasta is mostly submerged for even cooking.

Flavor Variations

• Veggie Boost: Spinach, broccoli, zucchini
• Protein Twist: Shrimp, turkey, or rotisserie chicken
• Spicy Kick: Red pepper flakes
• Pasta Swap: For a cold pasta twist, try a chicken caesar pasta salad recipe on warmer days

Perfect Side Dishes

Pair Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• Crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Caprese skewers

Storage & Reheating

• Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
• Avoid freezing: Cream sauces tend to separate.

FAQs

Final Serving Tip

Serve in shallow bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and watch it disappear in minutes.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Creamy One-Pan Dinner You’ll Crave

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• Author: MERIEM
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A rich and creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta made in one pan with juicy seared chicken, tender penne pasta, fresh spinach, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 oz penne pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp unsalted butter
½ jumbo yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, scrape up browned bits, and add pasta. Cover and cook until al dente.
Turn off the heat and stir in Parmesan, heavy cream, and spinach until wilted.
Return chicken to skillet, toss to coat in sauce, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding chicken broth. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1¼ cups
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one pan chicken pasta