Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or beaten down to about ½" thickness); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; Salt & pepper (to taste); 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 tbsp unsalted butter; ½ jumbo yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup); 4-6 large cloves garlic (minced); 8 oz dry penne pasta (normal, gluten free, or protein pasta); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

There’s something truly comforting about a creamy, garlicky pasta dish that comes together in one pan. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, once you try it, this will be a dinner you turn to again and again.

A white shallow bowl holds a creamy pasta dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is penne pasta coated in creamy sauce with visible green herbs mixed throughout, the top layer consists of pieces of cooked chicken strips with a light brown seared texture and herbs, both layers sprinkled with coarse black pepper and grated cheese. A black fork rests on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a light wooden table with a white marbled texture slightly visible around the edges, and a metal pan with more of the pasta dish is seen in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe with you because it combines flavors and techniques that make weeknight dinners feel special without all the fuss. It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with flavor, and flexible enough to adapt to your pantry.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is quick and easy—something I appreciate after a long day.
Deliciously Creamy Sauce: The blend of garlic, parmesan, and cream creates a sauce that’s luscious but never overpowering.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Seasoned well and cooked just right, the chicken stays juicy and tender, making every bite satisfying.
30 Minutes to Table: Ready fast enough for busy nights but fancy enough for company. It really hits that sweet spot.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this dish are simple but each plays a starring role. The creamy parmesan sauce balances the savory chicken and fresh pasta perfectly, while the garlic and onion build layers of flavor that make the whole meal feel homemade and heartfelt.

Flat lay of a raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a small white bowl of avocado oil, a small white bowl of unsalted butter, half a jumbo yellow onion diced, a few large cloves of garlic whole, a handful of dry penne pasta, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl of finely grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of heavy cream, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Butterflied or pounded thin for even cooking and tenderness.
Italian seasoning & paprika: Adds herby warmth and a bit of smoky depth that lifts the chicken.
Avocado or olive oil: Great for cooking the chicken with just the right sear and richness.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess to the sauce and helps cook the onions without burning.
Yellow onion: Cooked until soft and translucent, it’s the subtle base of flavor many sauces need.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for punchy, aromatic notes.
Penne pasta: Holds the sauce nicely and cooks straight in the broth—saving time and pots!
Chicken broth: Used to cook the pasta, infusing it with savory goodness.
Finely grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Heavy cream: Creates that silky finish that makes this pasta feel indulgent.
Chopped parsley: Freshens the dish with a pop of color and bright herbaceousness.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this recipe as is because it’s just so satisfying, but I also encourage you to tweak it based on what you've got or your personal preferences. After all, a kitchen is your playground!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the penne for gluten-free or whole wheat pasta and it works beautifully—just adjust cooking time a bit.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne can give the dish a nice subtle kick without overwhelming the flavors.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes at the end for extra color and nutrients.
Dairy-free twist: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan—still delicious!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with sliced, cooked chicken pieces. The pasta and chicken are coated in a light cream sauce with visible green herbs sprinkled throughout. The chicken strips are lightly browned with some char spots, adding texture. A black fork is resting in the bowl among the pasta and chicken. In the background, a shiny metal pan holds more of the same pasta dish, sitting on a wooden table with a white cloth nearby, all set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken Just Right

First, mix your Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your chicken dry—it helps the seasoning stick better and gives a nicer crust. Rub both sides with the seasoning mix. Heat a large pan over medium heat with a bit of avocado oil, then add the chicken. Cook about 3-5 minutes per side until the internal temp hits 165°F and the outside gets a golden sear. Let the chicken rest while we work on the sauce—this keeps it juicy, trust me.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion and Garlic

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low and add more oil plus butter. Toss in your diced onion, sprinkling a little salt to draw out moisture. Cook, stirring, until they become tender and translucent—about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic, cook for just another minute—don’t let it burn or it’ll get bitter.

Step 3: Deglaze and Cook Pasta Right in the Pan

Now for the fun part: pour in the chicken broth and scrape up those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s where the deep flavor hides! Bring the liquid up to a gentle boil, then stir in your dry penne pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is just al dente. This way, the pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors while it cooks—plus, you save on washing extra pots!

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Bring It All Together

Turn off the heat and stir in finely grated parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly—it should be luxuriously creamy. Slice your rested chicken into strips and fold it into the pasta. Give everything a good toss to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. And voilà—dinner is served!

Top Tip

After cooking this dish quite a few times, I’ve learned a few things that really make a difference in texture and flavor. These little tips will help you get it just as good, if not better, every time.

Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning ensures it browns nicely instead of steaming.
Don’t Rush the Resting: Allow the chicken to rest loosely covered to keep juices inside; skipping this step can make it dry.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese may not melt as well and can affect the sauce texture.
Watch the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta cooking time since it cooks in broth and might finish faster or slower than package instructions.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan on top for that inviting, restaurant-style look and fresh brightness. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can also brighten things perfectly if you want an extra zing.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with something light and crisp. I like a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus or broccoli on the side for a little veggie balance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are classic choices if you want to up the comfort factor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary and even some toasted pine nuts for crunch. You could also garnish with crispy prosciutto or pancetta for an elevated touch. Presentation-wise, letting the creamy sauce glisten with a few extra parmesan curls always makes it feel like a treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens upon standing, so when reheating, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up and keep it creamy.

Freezing

While I’ve found freezing creamy pasta dishes changes their texture a bit, you can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months. Just skip adding the fresh parsley before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a little liquid added back in to bring the sauce back to life.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and stir frequently until warmed through. Microwaving works if you’re in a rush, but be sure to stir halfway through to avoid hot spots and dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great to hold the sauce, other pastas like fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle will work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different shapes and brands vary.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. It won’t be exactly the same but still creamy and flavorful.

Can I prepare ingredients in advance?

Definitely! You can season and prepare your chicken ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. You can also mince your garlic and dice onions in advance to speed up cooking.

What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the chicken?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook uniformly. Use medium heat and cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Letting it rest before slicing helps keep it juicy too.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special spot on my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s fuss-free but feels a little indulgent. I love how it tastes like you’ve spent hours creating a restaurant-worthy meal, even when you haven’t. Give it a try—you might find it becomes one of your go-to meals when you want big flavor without big effort.