Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?

I strongly recommend grating your own parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-grated cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting and lead to a grainy sauce. It takes just a minute to grate your own, and the smooth, creamy result is absolutely worth it!

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can make a lighter version by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of parmesan to 3/4 cup. Another option is using milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (as a thickener) in place of cream. The dish won't be quite as rich but will still be delicious.

Can I make this with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Both whole wheat and gluten-free pastas work well. Keep in mind that whole wheat pasta often requires a bit more liquid and slightly longer cooking time. For gluten-free pasta, check it frequently as cooking times can vary significantly between brands.

Why did my sauce turn out clumpy?

Clumpy sauce usually happens when cheese is added to a too-hot liquid or when pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents is used. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese, use finely grated cheese from a block, and add it gradually while stirring constantly.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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 (regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a dreamy, creamy one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you want something that tastes like it took hours but fits into your busy schedule. The combination of Italian herbs, garlic, and parmesan creates a restaurant-quality dish that the whole family will request again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor as the pasta absorbs all those delicious chicken and garlic notes.
Quick and Satisfying: From prep to table in 35 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is irresistible to both adults and kids – no more cooking separate meals for picky eaters!
Versatile Base: This recipe works beautifully as is, but also serves as a fantastic foundation for adding vegetables or adapting to what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast: The star protein that becomes incredibly flavorful when seasoned and seared properly. Butterflying or pounding it ensures even cooking.
Italian seasoning: This herb blend adds aromatic depth and saves you from measuring multiple spices separately.
Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
Avocado oil or olive oil: Used for both cooking the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point if you’re concerned about that.
Butter: Creates a silky base for the sauce and adds richness that oil alone can’t provide.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the garlic.
Garlic: Don’t be shy here! Those 4-6 cloves create the backbone of flavor that makes this dish special.
Penne pasta: The perfect shape for catching and holding the creamy sauce in each bite.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks and forms the base of your sauce.
Parmesan cheese: For the best results, grate it yourself using the finest holes on your grater – it melts beautifully and prevents clumping.
Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, silky texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.
Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to balance the richness.

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.

Variations

Veggie Additions

Transform this into a complete one-pan meal by adding vegetables! Toss in some halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or sautéed mushrooms right before adding the parmesan and cream.

Protein Swaps

Not a chicken fan? Use Italian sausage, shrimp, or for a meatless version, substitute with roasted chickpeas or white beans.

Pasta Options

Any short pasta works well – try rotini, farfalle, or shells. For a healthier twist, whole wheat pasta adds nutty flavor and extra fiber, but may require slightly more cooking liquid.

Spice it Up

Add red pepper flakes for heat or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy complexity. For an extra umami punch, mix in a spoonful of pesto when adding the cream.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry (this is crucial for good browning!) and generously coat both sides with the seasoning mixture. Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and let it rest on a cutting board.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining oil and butter to the same pan. Add diced onion with a pinch of salt and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent and starting to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant but not browned (burned garlic can ruin your dish!).

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Pan

Pour the chicken broth into the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom – that’s where so much flavor lives! Bring the broth to a light boil, then add the dry pasta, stirring to ensure every piece is submerged. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Turn off the heat (this is important to prevent the cheese from separating) and add the finely grated parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips and add them back to the pan with the pasta. Gently toss everything together to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Perfect Chicken Texture: Don’t skip the step of butterflying or pounding the chicken. Even thickness means even cooking and juicier results.
Cheese Success: The key to smooth, not clumpy, sauce is using freshly grated parmesan from a block, not pre-grated. The finest holes on your grater work best, and always add cheese after turning off the heat.
Pasta Perfection: Test the pasta a minute before the suggested cooking time. It should be slightly firm (al dente) as it will continue to absorb sauce after cooking.
Flavor Building: Don’t rush the onion and garlic step – those few minutes of sautéing build the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth. Too thin? Let it stand for a few minutes – the pasta will absorb excess liquid.

How to Serve

Main Dish Pairing

This creamy pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus also makes for a perfect vegetable companion.

Bread Options

Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce. For a lighter option, try toasted ciabatta rubbed with a garlic clove.

Wine Pairing

If you enjoy wine with dinner, a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate garlic and parmesan flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Freezing

While cream-based pasta dishes aren’t ideal for freezing, you can freeze this dish if necessary. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch – cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?

I strongly recommend grating your own parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-grated cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting and lead to a grainy sauce. It takes just a minute to grate your own, and the smooth, creamy result is absolutely worth it!
How can I make this dish lighter?

You can make a lighter version by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of parmesan to 3/4 cup. Another option is using milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (as a thickener) in place of cream. The dish won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious.
Can I make this with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Both whole wheat and gluten-free pastas work well. Keep in mind that whole wheat pasta often requires a bit more liquid and slightly longer cooking time. For gluten-free pasta, check it frequently as cooking times can vary significantly between brands.
Why did my sauce turn out clumpy?

Clumpy sauce usually happens when cheese is added to a too-hot liquid or when pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents is used. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese, use finely grated cheese from a block, and add it gradually while stirring constantly.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe has been my go-to for those evenings when I want something comforting, impressive, and quick. There’s something magical about creating a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that silky garlic-parmesan sauce creates a dinner that feels special enough for company but simple enough for a Tuesday night. Give it a try – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!