Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

This easy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is one of those meals that feels cozy and filling without taking all night to make.

You get tender chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and pasta all cooked together in one pan. I like making this on busy weeknights when I want something comforting but still simple.

It’s the kind of dinner that makes the kitchen smell amazing and usually leaves everyone pretty quiet at the table, in a good way.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is easier
2. It’s filling without being heavy
3. The ingredients are simple and easy to find
4. The sauce is creamy without needing a lot of cream
5. Great for family dinners or meal prep
6. Leftovers reheat really well

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best for this recipe. Butterflying or lightly pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and stay tender.

I usually use fresh chicken, but thawed frozen chicken is fine too. Just make sure it’s dry before seasoning so it browns nicely.

Options for Substitutes

• Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast
• Olive oil works just as well as avocado oil
• Any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni can replace penne
• Half and half can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce
• Dried parsley works if fresh isn’t available

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Try not to rush cooking the chicken. Let it get a nice golden color before flipping. When adding the pasta, make sure it’s mostly covered by the broth so it cooks evenly.

Turn off the heat before adding the Parmesan so it melts smoothly instead of clumping.

What to Serve With Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

1. A simple green salad with vinaigrette
2. Steamed or roasted broccoli
3. Garlic bread or a warm dinner roll
4. Roasted zucchini or asparagus
5. A side of cherry tomatoes

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Freezing is not recommended since the sauce can separate
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth
• Microwave reheating works best on low power

How To Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 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 and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 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

Instructions

Step 1:
In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2:
Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil and place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.

Step 3:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining avocado oil and butter to the same pan. Add the diced onion, season lightly with salt, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring often.

Step 4:
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the broth to a light boil, then add the dry pasta. Stir so the pasta is mostly submerged.

Step 5:
Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

Step 6:
Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and parsley. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7:
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve warm and enjoy.

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

This easy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights. It’s made in one pan with simple ingredients and has a rich garlic flavor everyone loves.

Great for weeknight dinners and just as good the next day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 665

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 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 and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 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

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil and place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
3. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining avocado oil and butter to the same pan. Add the diced onion, season lightly with salt, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring often.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the broth to a light boil, then add the dry pasta. Stir so the pasta is mostly submerged.
5. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and parsley. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve warm and enjoy.

Nutritional Information

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Emma Parker

I’m Emma Parker, the writer and founder behind Emma’s Home Guide. This blog was created to share practical ideas, honest experiences, and helpful guidance for everyday living. My goal is to make home life feel easier, warmer, and more enjoyable, without pressure or perfection.