This incredible one-pan Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious garlic parmesan sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready in just 35 minutes, this restaurant-quality meal is perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for weekend entertaining. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, from the chicken to the pasta to the creamy sauce, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
- Rich and Satisfying: The combination of parmesan cheese, garlic, and cream creates an irresistibly silky sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
- Versatile Base Recipe: Easily customize with additional vegetables, different proteins, or pasta shapes to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: This crowd-pleasing dish is sophisticated enough for adults but approachable enough for picky eaters.
- Weeknight Miracle: Despite tasting like it took hours, this impressive meal comes together in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Avocado oil or olive oil: Creates a beautiful sear on the chicken without burning at higher temperatures.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The lean protein star of our dish, tenderized for quicker cooking and even texture.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the chicken with a blend of Mediterranean herbs for depth of flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and gorgeous color to the chicken.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
For the Pasta:
- Avocado oil or olive oil and butter: This combination provides rich flavor while preventing the butter from burning.
- Jumbo yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down into the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: The aromatic heart of this dish, providing that irresistible flavor we all crave.
- Dry penne pasta: The perfect shape for capturing the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of our sauce while cooking the pasta to al dente perfection.
- Finely grated parmesan cheese: Creates that signature salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into a luxurious, velvety texture that coats every piece of pasta.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and beautiful color contrast.
Equipment Needed
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Small bowl
- Large pan with lid
- Tongs
- Spatula
How to Make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Butterfly your chicken breasts or pound them to about ½-inch thickness to ensure quick, even cooking. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then evenly season both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in your large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Pan
Add the dry penne pasta to the pan with the aromatics, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir well to combine, ensuring all pasta is submerged. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened to a silky consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine with Chicken and Serve
Slice the rested chicken into strips and add it back to the pan, gently folding it into the pasta and sauce. Allow everything to heat through for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Plate your creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta with an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Skip Thinning the Chicken: Whether you butterfly or pound your chicken breasts, having them at an even thickness ensures they cook quickly and remain juicy.
- Build Flavors in Layers: Using the same pan throughout the entire cooking process means each component picks up the flavors from the previous steps.
- Test Pasta Doneness Early: Different brands of pasta may cook at slightly different rates, so begin checking a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
- Reserve Some Pasta Water: If your sauce becomes too thick at any point, add a splash of the starchy pasta cooking liquid to thin it out while maintaining its creamy texture.
- Rest the Chicken: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest before slicing helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
Variations to Try
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Protein Swaps: Substitute shrimp, Italian sausage, or rotisserie chicken for equally delicious results.
- Pasta Options: Works beautifully with fettuccine, rotini, or farfalle adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat that complements the creamy sauce.
- Herbal Infusions: Try fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley for different aromatic profiles.
Storage and Reheating
This creamy chicken pasta will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revitalize the sauce, as it will thicken considerably when chilled. Warm gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 665kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 41g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 138mg
- Sodium: 1021mg
- Potassium: 745mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 1091IU
- Vitamin C: 8mg
- Calcium: 302mg
- Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The pasta can be made 1-2 days ahead. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency as it will thicken in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Absolutely! Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream (you may need to reduce longer), use part-skim mozzarella for some of the parmesan, and consider leaner chicken tenderloins.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
Definitely! About 2-3 cups of rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly and saves about 15 minutes of cooking time. Add it when you would normally return the chicken to the pan.
My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?
Let it simmer longer uncovered, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water), or sprinkle in extra parmesan cheese to help thicken the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta (check for doneness earlier as cooking times may vary) and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Perfect Pairings
- Wine: A medium-bodied Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Sides: Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Enjoy this restaurant-quality Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta in the comfort of your own home!