There’s something about a big, creamy bowl of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with bold garlic and parmesan flavors—yet it’s so simple to make that it almost feels like cheating.
I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was one of those hectic weeknights where I needed something quick, filling, and comforting without making a huge mess in the kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples and one trusty skillet, this meal came together like magic. The first bite? Absolute bliss. The tender, juicy chicken paired with a silky garlic parmesan sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta—it was like a restaurant-quality dish but made effortlessly at home.
Since that night, this one-pan garlic parmesan chicken pasta has become a staple in my kitchen. Whether I’m cooking for a cozy date night, a family dinner, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this recipe never disappoints. The best part? It’s done in just 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup!
If you love easy, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta recipes, this one is going to be your new favorite. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a flavor-packed, creamy indulgence that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but with minimal effort. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a staple in your home:
✔️ One-Pan Wonder – No need for a pile of dishes! Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
✔️ Rich & Creamy – The garlic parmesan sauce is velvety smooth, perfectly coating every bite of pasta.
✔️ Packed with Protein – Juicy, well-seasoned chicken breast makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Customizable – Swap out the pasta, add veggies, or make it dairy-free—this recipe is super versatile!
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy date night, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Now that you’re convinced, let’s talk about the flavor highlights that make this pasta truly irresistible!
Table of Contents
What Makes This Dish Irresistible?
Every bite of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a perfect balance of rich, creamy, and savory flavors. Here’s what makes this dish truly special:
🔥 Golden, Pan-Seared Chicken – Lightly seasoned and perfectly seared for a crispy outside and juicy inside.
🧄 Bold Garlic Flavor – Fresh garlic is sautéed to release its natural sweetness, creating a deep, aromatic base.
🧀 Velvety Parmesan Sauce – A luxurious mix of parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter makes the sauce rich and silky.
🍝 Al Dente Pasta Perfection – The pasta absorbs all the flavors by cooking right in the sauce, making every bite extra delicious.
🌿 Fresh Herbs for Brightness – A sprinkle of fresh parsley balances out the richness with a hint of freshness.
Now that your mouth is watering, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making this creamy, dreamy pasta! 🍽️✨
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This recipe comes together in just one pan with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Chicken:
- 🐔 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or pounded to ½-inch thickness)
- 🌿 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 🌶 ½ tsp paprika
- 🧂 Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 🥑 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 🧈 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 🥑 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 🧅 ½ jumbo yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup)
- 🧄 4-6 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 🍝 8 oz dry penne pasta (regular, gluten-free, or high-protein)
- 🍗 2 cups chicken broth
- 🧀 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
- 🥛 ½ cup heavy cream
- 🌿 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 🧂 Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking! 🍳✨
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Follow these easy steps to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish—all in just one pan!
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken – If your chicken breasts are thick, butterfly or pound them to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
2️⃣ Season Generously – In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat the chicken dry, then coat both sides with the seasoning blend.
3️⃣ Sear to Perfection – Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4️⃣ Rest & Slice – Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once cooled, slice it into strips.
2. Sauté Aromatics & Deglaze the Pan
1️⃣ Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp avocado oil to the same pan.
2️⃣ Add diced onion, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent.
3️⃣ Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant (but not browned).
4️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze it—this adds incredible depth of flavor!
3. Cook the Pasta in One Pan
1️⃣ Bring the broth to a light boil, then add the dry penne pasta. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed and submerged.
2️⃣ Cover the pan and let the pasta cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. If needed, add a splash of extra broth to prevent sticking.
4. Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
1️⃣ Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat before adding dairy (this prevents curdling).
2️⃣ Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
3️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Bring It All Together & Serve
1️⃣ Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back into the pan. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
2️⃣ Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh parsley on top. Pair with crusty bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a complete meal!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Want to make this dish absolutely flawless every time? Here are some expert tips to ensure perfectly cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta:
✅ 1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
- Avoid pre-shredded parmesan—it contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Instead, finely grate fresh parmesan for a creamy, silky sauce that blends perfectly.
✅ 2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time for Chicken
- After searing, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- This keeps the juices inside, making every bite tender and flavorful.
✅ 3. Cook Pasta in Broth for Maximum Flavor
- Instead of boiling in water, cooking pasta in chicken broth infuses it with extra richness.
- If you want even more depth, use chicken bone broth instead!
✅ 4. Add Dairy at the Right Time
- Turn off the heat before adding heavy cream and parmesan to prevent curdling.
- If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of warm broth to loosen it up.
✅ 5. Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking
- If the sauce is too thin, let it sit for a minute—it will thicken as it cools.
- If it’s too thick, stir in a little extra cream or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Now that you have all the tips for success, let’s talk about customizations and variations to make this dish your own! 🍽️✨
Variations & Substitutions: Make It Your Own!
One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how versatile it is! Whether you need a lighter version, a gluten-free option, or just want to switch things up, here are some easy ways to customize the dish:
Add More Veggies
Want to pack in some extra nutrients? Try adding:
- Spinach or Kale – Stir in at the end for a boost of greens.
- Broccoli or Asparagus – Steam or roast separately and toss in before serving.
- Mushrooms or Bell Peppers – Sauté with the onions for extra flavor.
Swap the Protein
Not a fan of chicken? No problem! Try:
- Shrimp – Sear for 2-3 minutes per side and add at the end.
- Salmon – Flake in after cooking for a luxurious seafood twist.
- Tofu – Use crispy pan-fried tofu for a vegetarian option.
Make It Gluten-Free
- Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free brand (Banza, Jovial, or Barilla work great).
- Double-check that your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option
- Replace butter with vegan butter or extra avocado oil.
- Swap heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or oat milk.
- Use vegan parmesan cheese (but note that it may not melt as smoothly).
Kick Up the Heat
Love a little spice? Add:
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- A dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- A drizzle of hot sauce when serving.
Now that you know how to customize your pasta, let’s talk about how to store and reheat leftovers so you can enjoy it again! 🍽️✨
Your New Go-To Comfort Meal
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate one-pan comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy date night, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
With its tender, juicy chicken, garlic-infused parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, every bite feels like a restaurant-quality meal—without the hassle. Plus, with so many customization options, you can make it your own every time!
🔥 Now it’s your turn! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @yourhandle so I can see your delicious creations.
Craving more pasta? Check out these other mouthwatering recipes:
🔗 Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
🔗 Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
🔗 Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Tongs
Materials
- :For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (butterflied or pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 jumbo yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 4-6 large cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz dry penne pasta regular, gluten-free, or high-protein
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Season and Sear the Chicken
- If the chicken breasts are thick, butterfly or pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry and coat both sides with the seasoning blend.
- Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest. Once cooled, slice into strips.
- 2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics & Deglaze the Pan
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp avocado oil to the same pan.
- Add diced onion, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- 3️⃣ Cook the Pasta in One Pan
- Bring broth to a light boil, then add dry penne pasta. Stir to distribute evenly.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente. Add extra broth if needed.
- 4️⃣ Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Turn off heat before adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 5️⃣ Bring It All Together & Serve
- Add sliced chicken back into the pan and toss everything together.
- Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions :
What sauce goes with chicken Parmesan pasta?
Marinara is the classic choice, but you can also use tomato basil, arrabbiata, vodka sauce, or even Alfredo for a creamy twist.
Why is it called “marry me chicken pasta”?
It’s named for its rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce that’s so good, it might inspire a marriage proposal! The dish usually features chicken in a sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce.
What to pair with garlic Parmesan chicken?
Great sides include roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, Caesar salad, garlic bread, or a light pasta like buttered noodles.
How do you keep breading from falling off chicken Parmesan?
Pat the chicken dry, coat in flour first, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking and avoid flipping too soon.
Can I use pasta sauce instead of marinara for chicken parm?
Yes, but marinara is preferred because it’s lighter. Spaghetti sauce may work, but it can be thicker and sweeter.