This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner: creamy, flavorful, and ready in just about 30 minutes. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce come together in one pan, making it a comfort-food favorite that’s quick enough for busy evenings but special enough for a cozy date night at home.
Pair it with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan dinner – minimal cleanup!
- Creamy, cheesy sauce coats every piece of pasta perfectly.
- Tender, juicy chicken seared to perfection.
- Ready in 30 minutes, ideal for weeknights.
- Customizable – swap in gluten-free or protein pasta, add veggies, or make dairy-free.
- Restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied or beaten to ½” thickness
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4–6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz dry penne pasta (regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with the seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Onion & Garlic
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp butter to the pan. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
4. Cook the Pasta
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add dry pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the broth. Cover and cook 10 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
5. Make the Sauce
Turn off heat. Stir in Parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Combine Chicken and Pasta
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the pan. Toss everything together and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne or your favorite pasta alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with oil, heavy cream with plant-based cream, and Parmesan with vegan cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers for more nutrients.
- Perfect Chicken: Preheat your stainless steel pan for a golden, non-stick sear.
What to Serve With
- Roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, carrots)
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Fresh side salad
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm on stovetop or microwave. Pasta stays creamy and chicken stays tender.
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Servings: 4
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying – perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or whenever comfort food cravings hit!
Leave a Comment