Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Insanely Delicious & Easy!

A Hug in a Bowl

It’s 6 p.m., the kids are hungry, you’re exhausted from work, and the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen makes you want to order takeout. But wait! What if I told you that you could whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes—in one pan, no less? Enter Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, the perfect blend of creamy, garlicky goodness and tender chicken, all tossed with al-dente pasta.

This dish isn’t just easy; it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with protein without requiring a mountain of dishes afterward. (Because let’s be real, no one has time for that.) Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing a date, or just treating yourself, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe is about to become your new best friend.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

✅ One Pan, Less Cleanup – Because the only thing worse than a sink full of dishes is… well, nothing.

✅ Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce – Think Alfredo, but even better.

✅ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love this one. (Yes, even THAT child who “doesn’t like” anything.)

✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a cozy date night at home.

✅ Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – No fancy ingredients required—just pantry staples and a whole lot of love.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need For Parmesan Chicken Pasta

For the Chicken:

• salt & pepper to taste
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp italian seasoning
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast butterflied or beaten down to about ½” thickness
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 4-6 large cloves garlic, minced (Yes, lots of garlic. No regrets.)
• 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 (for a little freshness)

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Season & Sear the Chicken

• First, make sure your chicken breasts are an even thickness (about ½ inch). You can butterfly them or pound them down with a rolling pin if needed.
• Mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry (this helps it sear better!) and rub both sides with the seasoning.
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temp hits 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest.

Personal Note: When I first made this, I almost skipped the step of patting the chicken dry. Huge mistake. Instead of getting that golden, crispy exterior, I got sad, steamed chicken. Learn from me.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add 1 tbsp butter and another drizzle of oil to the pan.
• Toss in the diced onion with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. (Your kitchen will smell AMAZING at this point.)

3. Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

• Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a light boil.
• Add the dry pasta, stirring to ensure it’s fully submerged.
• Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

Personal Note: I once walked away for “just a minute” and came back to an almost dry pan. Keep an eye on it! If the broth absorbs too quickly, just add a splash more.

4. Make It Creamy & Cheesy

• Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until the sauce is smooth and luscious. Taste and adjust salt & pepper as needed.

5. Add the Chicken & Serve!

• Slice the cooked chicken into strips and toss it back into the pasta. Give everything a good mix, plate it up, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

⭐ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can make the sauce grainy. Grating it fresh makes all the difference!

⭐ Don’t Skip the Chicken Broth – Cooking the pasta in broth instead of water adds tons of extra flavor.

⭐ Add Spinach or Broccoli – Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in a handful of spinach or steamed broccoli right before serving.

⭐ Need a Dairy-Free Version? – Swap out the butter for olive oil, use plant-based cream (like Country Crock Plant Cream), and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute.

The Funny Story Behind My Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

One time, I got distracted scrolling through my phone (probably looking at recipes, ironically) and completely forgot about the chicken. The smell of burnt seasoning filled the kitchen, my smoke detector went off, and my husband walked in with the most concerned look on his face.

To salvage dinner, I scraped off the burnt bits, tossed the chicken into the sauce, and PRAYED.

Surprisingly? It was still delicious. Moral of the story: even if you mess up, this dish is pretty forgiving.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta FAQ: You Asked, We Answered

Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe? Try These Next!

Looking for more quick & easy dinners? Check out these delicious recipes:

➡️ Capellini Pasta Recipe – A simple, elegant pasta dish that comes together in no time.

➡️ Sous Vide Chicken Thighs Recipe – Juicy, tender chicken every single time!

➡️ Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake – The perfect dessert to round out your meal.

And if you love learning about kitchen hacks and smart cooking, check out How to Elevate Grocery Store Cinnamon Rolls for a fun little trick!

Final Thoughts: The Pasta You’ll Keep Coming Back To

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and downright delicious meal, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the answer. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make—even on the busiest nights.

Happy cooking! 🍽️💛