Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—tender, flavorful chicken paired with al dente pasta all smothered in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. It’s everything you could possibly crave, ready in around thirty-five minutes and guaranteed to leave everyone at the table reaching for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of simple ingredients transform into such a cozy, mouthwatering meal. Each one adds its own little magic—bringing flavor, body, or creaminess that makes every bite of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta unforgettable.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Butterfly or pound it to even thickness so it cooks perfectly juicy every time.
• Italian seasoning & paprika: These pantry staples layer in tons of herby, peppery warmth.
• Salt & black pepper: Always essential—season boldly for the best-tasting chicken!
• Avocado oil or olive oil: Either works beautifully and gives a touch of extra flavor when searing and sautéing.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich, comforting depth to the sauce and helps the onions caramelize gently.
• Jumbo yellow onion: Diced up, this lends a sweet, mellow savoriness to the base of the sauce.
• Large garlic cloves: Go big—this is where all that delicious garlicky aroma comes from!
• Dry penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce in every tube; use your favorite kind, including gluten-free or high-protein options.
• Chicken broth: Deepens flavor and ensures the pasta cooks up tender (plus, it deglazes all the tasty bits from the pan!).
• Finely grated parmesan cheese: The star of the show—choose freshly grated for that melt-in sauce.
• Heavy cream: Makes everything rich, velvety, and utterly craveable.
• Chopped parsley: Brings a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Variations

One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to suit different tastes, work with what you have in your pantry, or sneak in some extra veggies, there’s plenty of room to get creative!

• Swap the Protein: Try diced turkey, shrimp, or even tofu in place of the chicken for a fun twist.
• Go Veggie-Heavy: Stir in baby spinach, broccoli florets, or sundried tomatoes during the last few minutes for more color and nutrition.
• Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-fat finish.
• Dairy-Free: Choose vegan butter and a dairy-free parmesan to accommodate allergies or plant-based preferences.
• Change the Pasta Shape: Anything from rotini to rigatoni works—just watch the cooking time.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—they’ll get that irresistible golden color only if they’re moisture-free. Mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this blend all over both sides of the chicken, then add it to a hot pan slicked with oil. Sear for about 3–5 minutes each side; you’re after a beautifully caramelized exterior and 165°F inside. Set the cooked chicken aside so it can rest while you work on the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat and add a little more oil plus a dab of butter to the pan. Toss in your diced onion and a pinch of salt. Let it soften and turn a little translucent—stir occasionally so nothing burns. Add all that wonderful garlic and cook just until your kitchen smells like a trattoria (about one minute). Be careful not to let the garlic brown!

Step 3: Deglaze & Simmer the Pasta

Pour in chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s pure flavor for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta. Bring the broth to a gentle boil, add your dry penne, and stir to submerge. Put a lid on it and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Once the pasta’s cooked, turn off the heat. While everything’s still steamy, stir in the grated parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. This is where the sauce turns luxuriously creamy and cheesy—just keep stirring until the parmesan is melted and the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Slice and Combine

Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Gently fold the chicken back into the pan with the pasta and toss everything together so each piece is coated in that dreamy sauce. Serve straight from the pan while hot and sprinkle with a little extra parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy your homemade Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Garnishes

A generous shower of extra parmesan, a flurry of fresh parsley, or a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta look and taste even more tempting. If you want a finishing zing, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a hint of lemon zest just before serving for an extra pop.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad (think arugula or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette) and a warm slice of buttery garlic bread. Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed green beans also round out the meal and keep the focus on those creamy, savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta family-style in a big skillet right at the table—always a crowd-pleaser! Or, plate individual servings with chicken fanned on top of the pasta, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish. For parties, try serving in small bowls or cups for an easy, elegant appetizer option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta keeps well—just let everything cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and get even richer!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, portion the cooled pasta and chicken into freezer-safe containers. The sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, but a quick reheat with a splash of cream will revive it. Best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. The microwave also works—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a creamy, garlicky dinner that never fails to impress, Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is about to become your new favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it—don’t be surprised if it takes a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation!

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