If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
With tender, perfectly seasoned chicken and pasta coated in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce, this dish feels like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen. The best part? It’s made entirely in one pan and ready in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a winning combination of simplicity and flavor. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is luxurious yet approachable, while the tender chicken provides a hearty protein boost. Plus, cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes to wash—a major bonus!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or pounded to about ½-inch thickness)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and 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 large cloves of garlic, 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 parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by mixing Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mixture over both sides. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add another tablespoon of avocado oil along with the butter. Toss in the diced onion, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the broth to a light boil, then add the dry penne pasta. Stir to ensure that all of the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Mix until the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back into the pan with the pasta. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately and garnish with extra parsley or parmesan if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For best results, grate your own parmesan cheese using the smallest holes on a grater. Pre-grated store-bought parmesan often doesn’t melt as smoothly and can result in clumps.
- Pasta Substitutions: While penne works beautifully in this recipe, feel free to swap it out for other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer an even creamier sauce, you can add an extra splash of heavy cream or milk.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 665 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 41g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 1021mg
- Fiber: 3g
Why One-Pan Meals Are a Game-Changer
One-pan recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta are a lifesaver for busy households. They minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor by allowing all ingredients to cook together, infusing the dish with layers of deliciousness. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is comfort food at its finest. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together quickly without requiring any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it tonight—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is an easy yet restaurant-worthy dinner. With an irresistibly rich and creamy sauce and tender chicken, this will quickly become your new favorite pasta dish. The best part… it’s all made in one pan in about 30 minutes, perfect even for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 people
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied or beaten to about ½” thickness
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (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
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt & pepper. Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.
2. Bring a large pan to medium heat. Add avocado oil, then the seasoned chicken. Cook 3-5 minutes per side, until internal temp reaches 165°F. Remove and rest.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add more oil and butter. Add onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté ~3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic, cook for 1 more minute.
4. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Let it come to a light boil.
5. Add dry pasta and stir to submerge. Cover and cook for ~10 minutes or until al dente.
6. Turn off heat, stir in parmesan, cream, and parsley. Adjust salt/pepper as needed.
7. Slice chicken and return it to the pan. Toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and texture.
Avoid pre-shredded cheese to prevent clumping.
Use a finely holed grater for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 665
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1021mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 138mg
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