Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 deeply comforting about rich, creamy pasta that hugs tender chicken in every bite — that’s exactly why the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a go-to in my kitchen. Its one-pan simplicity and savory goodness always make dinner feel like a little celebration.

A white plate filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with light brown grilled chicken strips. The pasta and chicken are covered in a beige sauce with flecks of green herbs. There are small white shreds of cheese sprinkled over the top and ground black pepper scattered across. A black fork rests on the right edge of the plate. In the background, a metal pan holds more of the pasta dish, sitting on a wooden table next to a white cloth. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. 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

Honestly, I’m a sucker for cozy, flavorful meals that don’t require a ton of fuss — and that’s where this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe shines. It merges juicy chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s just perfectly cheesy without being overpowering, plus it’s all made in one pan. What’s not to love?

One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup—always a win after a busy day.
Rich, creamy sauce: The blend of parmesan and cream gives a luscious texture that coats every strand of pasta.
Tender chicken every time: Seasoned to perfection and cooked just right, it stays juicy and flavorful.
Quick and satisfying: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor. From the Italian seasoning that gives the chicken a herby kick to the creamy parmesan sauce that brings it all together, choosing fresh, quality ingredients really makes the difference.

Flat lay of a fresh boneless skinless chicken breast, a small white bowl of avocado oil, a small white bowl of unsalted butter, half a jumbo yellow onion diced, several large cloves of garlic peeled but whole, a small white bowl of italian seasoning mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper, a small white bowl filled with 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 chopped fresh parsley, all 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

Avocado oil (or olive oil): Great for cooking chicken evenly with a mild flavor and high smoke point.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Easy to cook quickly and stays tender when properly prepared.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that amps up the chicken without a lot of fuss.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a lovely color to the chicken.
Salt & pepper: Essential basics for enhancing every flavor in the dish.
Unsalted butter: Creates richness in the sauce and helps soften the onions beautifully.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and savory depth when gently sautéed.
Garlic: The star of the show for that unmistakable aroma and bold taste.
Penne pasta: Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks.
Finely grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty richness that melts into the sauce gorgeously.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture.
Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the dish.

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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

One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how flexible it is. I love experimenting with a few twists here and there, so you can totally make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

Variation: I sometimes swap penne for fettuccine for a silkier texture, and it’s always a hit with my family.
Healthier option: Try substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce while keeping the flavor.
Extra veggies: Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach in the sauce boosts the nutrition and flavor.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes kicked in while cooking the garlic adds a nice gentle heat I personally adore.

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

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta and grilled chicken strips mixed in, showing about two layers: the bottom layer is penne pasta coated in a thick yellowish cream sauce with flecks of green herbs, while the top layer includes golden-brown grilled chicken pieces seasoned with black pepper and scattered herbs. A black fork rests inside the bowl, slightly lifting a piece of chicken with pasta. Behind the bowl, a shiny silver pan holds more of the same pasta dish, placed on a wooden table with a white cloth nearby, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry thoroughly—that’s key to getting a nice golden crust. Mix the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then rub it all over both sides of your chicken. Heat your pan to medium, add the avocado oil, and cook the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side until it hits 165°F internally. Don’t rush this part—letting it rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender when sliced.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium-low, add more oil and butter, and toss in the diced onion with a pinch of salt. Let it soften, stirring occasionally, until it looks translucent, about 3 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it, or the sauce will taste bitter.

Step 3: Deglaze and Cook the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and give the pan a good scrape to lift up that tasty browned goodness stuck to the bottom. When it starts to boil gently, add the dry penne pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the broth. Cover the pan and leave it to cook for 10 minutes—the pasta will absorb the broth and cook al dente right there. I always peek at 8 minutes to check, so I catch the exact tenderness I like.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Cream

Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. The residual heat melts the cheese into a silky sauce that clings to every pasta piece. Taste and add salt or pepper if you feel it needs a little boost. Then, slice your rested chicken into strips and fold it gently into the sauce and pasta.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Dish it out immediately while it’s warm and creamy. I love serving it family-style so everyone can grab their favorite portion, but plating individual servings with a little extra parsley on top never fails to impress.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that the secret to perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in these simple but powerful tips from my own experience. Following them made a world of difference when I first made this dish for friends.

Dry the chicken well: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear—this is what helps create that beautifully browned crust.
Don’t skip deglazing: Those browned bits from the chicken and onions add concentrated flavor to your dish that you just can’t beat.
Keep an eye on the pasta: Cooking it right in the broth means it soaks up flavor, but it can also go from perfect to mushy if left too long.
Rest the chicken before slicing: Letting it sit keeps the juices locked in, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little extra freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan right at the table. Sometimes, if I’m feeling indulgent, I add a tiny drizzle of truffle oil for an elevated earthiness that pairs beautifully with the garlic and cheese.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness of the pasta, I like pairing it with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Crusty bread on the side is a must—perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the pasta in large shallow bowls, garnishing each with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. It adds a lovely pop of texture and a little zing, making it feel a bit fancy without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, so I add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta twice with decent results, but since the cream sauce changes texture a bit after freezing, I recommend freezing it in portions without the cream and cheese, then adding them fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop with a little broth or milk, stirring often. Microwaving works too, but go easy on the heat to avoid curdling the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can swap it with fusilli, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just keep cooking times in mind and adjust as needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The sauce won’t be exactly the same but will still be delicious and creamy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Definitely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender even more so than breasts. Just adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Put garlic in after the onions are translucent and cook it just for about a minute. Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat moderate and stir constantly once it’s in the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is hands down one of my all-time favorites because it’s cozy, quick, and packed with flavor—all the things I want on a weeknight when I don’t want to fuss. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become your reliable, delicious comfort meal too. Give it a whirl and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!