If you’re longing for a surefire comfort meal that absolutely hits the spot, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your new weeknight hero. Picture golden, seasoned chicken nestled over creamy, garlicky penne tossed in a luxurious Parmesan sauce—all in a single pan, ready before you know it. Every bite balances savory richness and a hint of herb, making it a cozy favorite that’s never fussy but always impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just craving something satisfying after a long day, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers pure joy with every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward, letting each ingredient truly sing. Every component plays a role: from the juicy chicken and fragrant garlic to the creamy sauce and sharp, nutty Parmesan. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need before you get started.
- Avocado oil or olive oil: Adds flavor and ensures a golden sear on your chicken and buttery richness to the sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (450g): The main protein gets super juicy when pounded thin for even cooking.
- Italian seasoning: A ready blend of herbs that gives the chicken savory, aromatic undertones.
- Paprika: Lends a gentle warmth and subtle smokiness to the chicken.
- Salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors—don’t be shy, but season to taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a peppery bite that balances the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the pan for a smooth, rich sauce base.
- Yellow onion (½ large, diced): Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Garlic cloves (4–6, minced): The bold backbone of the entire dish; use more if you’re garlic-obsessed.
- Penne pasta (225g): Penne soaks up the creamy sauce, but you can swap in your favorite short pasta, too.
- Chicken broth (480ml): Infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks right in the pan.
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese (100g): The iconic nutty, salty tang that makes the sauce irresistible—grate it fresh for best results.
- Heavy cream (120ml): Adds lush silkiness to the Parmesan sauce without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tbsp): Gives a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by mixing together your Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry (this is key for good browning!) and rub the mixture all over, coating both sides. This little prep step guarantees every bite of your chicken is packed with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Place your large pan over medium heat and drizzle in some avocado or olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, lay in the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and the juices run clear (74°C internal temp if you want to be precise!). Set the cooked chicken aside to rest—this helps keep it extra juicy when you slice it later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Lower the heat and add another splash of oil plus the butter. Toss in your diced onion with a pinch of salt, stirring just until the onion softens and turns translucent (about 3 minutes). Next, add your minced garlic, letting it cook for just a minute until it’s fragrant but not brown. This step builds the flavor foundation for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta In the Pan
Pour the chicken broth into the pan, scraping any golden bits off the bottom—they’re pure flavor! Bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Add your dry penne pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged so it cooks evenly. Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes or until the pasta is perfectly al dente, soaking up all that garlicky broth.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
When the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the finely grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley. Stir, stir, stir! The cheese will melt luxuriously into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust with a little more salt and pepper if needed. This is where the magic happens for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Step 6: Slice and Combine the Chicken
Slice your rested chicken breast into thin strips (on the bias if you want to impress). Return the chicken and any juices back to the pan, tossing gently to coat every piece in the sauce and nestle them among the noodles. Everything comes together right here—creamy, savory, and packed with flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon hearty portions onto plates or into shallow bowls. Sprinkle with extra parsley for brightness and, if you’re feeling bold, a bit more freshly grated Parmesan. Serve immediately while everything’s bubbling hot.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes
A fresh scatter of chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and a pop of herby flavor. For a restaurant-worthy finish, grate a little extra Parmesan right before serving and top with a twist of cracked black pepper. Even a light drizzle of good olive oil can take things up a notch.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta loves the company of something crisp and zippy on the side—think a leafy green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or quick sautéed green beans. For garlic bread lovers, toasty slices for scooping up that extra sauce are practically mandatory!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your dinner guests, try serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in shallow pasta bowls for that bistro feel. You can also twist each serving into a little “nest” with tongs and rest the chicken slices artfully on top. For fun, offer toppings like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted broccoli to let everyone customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day comfort food cravings.
Freezing
The creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in a well-sealed freezer container for up to one month. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that sauces with dairy may separate a bit when reheated, but a splash of milk or cream and a good stir will help bring things back together.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or use the microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream, stirring as you go, to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Be sure not to overcook or the chicken may dry out—but with these quick steps, it’s just as comforting as day one!
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is lean and fast-cooking, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor—just cook a minute or two longer per side.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If heavy cream isn’t on hand, half-and-half or even whole milk will work, though the sauce will be a little lighter. Add a touch more Parmesan for extra richness if needed.
Is it possible to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your chicken broth and other seasonings are gluten-free. The creamy sauce stays just as delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Go for it! Spinach, peas, roasted cherry tomatoes, or even steamed broccoli can be tossed in at the end for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. This is a flexible recipe, so make it your own.
Can this dish be made ahead for meal prep?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is fantastic for meal prep. Cook it, let it cool, then portion into containers for ready-to-go lunches or dinners. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.
Final Thoughts
When you’re yearning for something cozy, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is bound to become a staple at your table. It’s comfort food at its finest—easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet special enough to share with loved ones. Gather your ingredients, crank up your favorite tunes, and treat yourself to this unforgettable pasta dish soon!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Description
Creamy pasta with golden chicken, garlic, and parmesan—comforting and quick, all made in a single pan.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat chicken breasts dry and rub seasoning mixture evenly over both sides.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 rested chicken into thin strips. Add chicken to the pan with the pasta and toss well to integrate.
- Divide between plates and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 135mg