Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe: Ultimate 30-Minute Miracle

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta – just saying those words makes my mouth water! Are you tired of dry, flavorless chicken that leaves your family reaching for the takeout menus? I used to be there too, standing in my kitchen, frustrated by another rubbery chicken breast disaster.

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe promises to change all that. Picture this: juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast nestled in creamy, cheesy pasta that’s been cooked to al-dente perfection, all infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. It’s comfort food that actually delivers on flavor.

Hey there! I’m Emeli, and as the founder of FoodFansy, I’ve spent years perfecting one-pan meals that bring families together without the stress. This particular recipe was born during one of those hectic weeknight moments when I needed something impressive but simple. After countless iterations in my kitchen, I can confidently say this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta has become a household favorite – not just in my home, but among thousands of home cooks who’ve tried it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: selecting the perfect chicken cut, mastering the one-pan cooking technique, troubleshooting common mistakes, and even some creative variations to keep things exciting. Let’s dive in!

Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe Works

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe isn’t just another weeknight meal – it’s a game-changer for busy home cooks. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Uses affordable, accessible ingredients – No need for specialty items or expensive cuts of meat • Ready in just 30 minutes – Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” panic moments
• One-pan simplicity – Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal • Customizable for any dietary need – Swap regular pasta for gluten-free or protein pasta without missing a beat • Restaurant-quality flavors at home – The secret is in layering flavors and using the chicken drippings to build the sauce

The magic happens when you cook everything in sequence in the same pan. The chicken develops a beautiful golden crust, those browned bits (called fond) become the foundation for an incredibly flavorful sauce, and the pasta cooks directly in the seasoned chicken broth, absorbing all those amazing flavors.

Choosing the Right Chicken for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

The chicken is the star of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta dish, so choosing the right cut and preparing it properly makes all the difference.

Best Cuts for This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for several reasons. They cook quickly and evenly, slice beautifully for presentation, and their mild flavor pairs perfectly with the garlic and parmesan. The key is getting them to the right thickness – about ½ inch – which ensures they cook through without drying out.

I always butterfly my chicken breasts or use a meat mallet to pound them to even thickness. This technique, which I learned during my professional kitchen days, prevents the dreaded scenario where the outside is overcooked while the inside is still raw.

Buying Tips for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

When shopping for chicken, look for breasts that are plump and have a pinkish color without any gray spots. The surface should feel slightly firm to the touch, not slimy. If possible, choose air-chilled chicken over water-chilled – it has better flavor and texture.

Don’t be afraid to ask your butcher to butterfly the chicken breasts for you if you’re short on time. Most butchers are happy to help, and it ensures uniform thickness every time.

Substitutions for This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

While chicken breast is my first choice, you can absolutely use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more forgiving cooking experience. Boneless, skinless thighs work best and should be cooked to 175°F internal temperature. For a lighter option, try this recipe with turkey cutlets or even firm white fish like cod.

Ingredients & Prep for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Getting your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta ingredients prepped properly is half the battle won. Here’s everything you need to know:

Chicken Prep Essentials for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied to ½” thickness
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil

The secret to juicy chicken is proper seasoning and not moving it around too much while cooking. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels – any moisture will prevent that beautiful golden sear we’re after.

Building the Pasta Base for This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz dry penne pasta (regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta all work)
• 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
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated tastes best!)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Pantry Staples That Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Shine

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You probably have most of these ingredients already. The key players are good-quality chicken broth (I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level), real parmesan cheese (not the pre-shredded stuff in the green container), and fresh garlic. These three ingredients create the flavor foundation that makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta absolutely irresistible.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Let me walk you through creating this perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta dish step by step:

Pre-Cooking Prep for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Start by mixing your seasoning blend in a small bowl: Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor foundation. Pat the chicken completely dry – I can’t stress this enough – then rub both sides generously with the seasoning mixture. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while you prep your other ingredients.

Cooking Method for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Step 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil. Gently place the seasoned chicken in the pan and resist the urge to move it! Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until you get a beautiful golden crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 2: Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest. This is crucial – don’t skip this step! The resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and add more oil and butter to the same pan. Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and cook for about 3 minutes until it starts becoming translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more – garlic burns quickly, so watch it carefully.

Step 4: Here’s where the magic happens – deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all those beautiful browned bits from the bottom. These bits are pure flavor gold! Allow the broth to come to a light boil, then add the dry pasta, stirring to ensure it’s submerged.

Step 5: Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches al-dente. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth as it cooks.

Doneness Check for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

For the chicken, always use a meat thermometer – 165°F is your target. The pasta should be al-dente, with just a slight bite to it. Remember, it will continue cooking slightly when you add the cream and cheese.

Final Assembly of This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Turn off the heat completely before adding the parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley. Stir gently until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Slice the rested chicken into strips and fold it into the pasta. Toss everything together and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

After making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta hundreds of times, here are my insider secrets:

Avoiding Tough, Dry Chicken in Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

The biggest mistake I see home cooks make is overcrowding the pan or cooking the chicken over too high heat. Give each piece space to breathe, and don’t flip it too early. You should hear a gentle sizzle, not an aggressive bubbling sound. If your chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat.

Essential Tool Recommendations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Invest in a good meat thermometer – it takes the guesswork out of cooking chicken perfectly every time. A large, heavy-bottomed pan or cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots. For the pasta, a wooden spoon won’t scratch your pan and is perfect for scraping up those flavorful browned bits.

Storage & Reheating Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the pasta texture will be slightly different when thawed.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

One of the things I love most about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs.

Spicy Twist on Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic, or stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair. For heat lovers, a teaspoon of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño works beautifully.

Keto-Friendly Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Swap the pasta for spiralized zucchini, cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles. Add the “pasta” substitute in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce works perfectly with these lower-carb options.

Global Flavors for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Italian-Inspired: Add fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and a splash of white wine Mediterranean: Include olives, artichoke hearts, and fresh oregano
Asian Fusion: Try ginger instead of some garlic, add snap peas, and finish with sesame oil Mexican-Style: Add cumin to the chicken seasoning, corn, and finish with fresh cilantro and lime

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is substantial enough to stand alone, but here are some of my favorite accompaniments:

Perfect Side Dishes: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition. For bread lovers, garlic bread or crusty sourdough is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Wine Pairings: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and herbs without competing with the dish. For red wine lovers, a light Chianti or Pinot Noir works wonderfully. If you prefer beer, a wheat beer or light lager is refreshing alongside this rich dish.

Family-Style Serving: I love serving this directly from the pan for casual family dinners. Add some fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese on top, with lemon wedges on the side for those who like a bright acid note.

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Can I use frozen chicken for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe? Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat it very dry. Frozen chicken releases more moisture during cooking, which can prevent proper browning and make the dish watery.

How do I fix overcooked chicken in my Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta? If your chicken is a bit dry, slice it thin and let it rest in the creamy sauce for a few minutes. The sauce will help rehydrate it. For future batches, consider using a meat thermometer and removing the chicken at 160°F – it will coast to 165°F while resting.

Is this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe safe during pregnancy? Yes! As long as the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and you use pasteurized dairy products, this recipe is pregnancy-safe. The cooking method ensures everything is properly cooked.

Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prep the chicken seasoning and chop vegetables ahead of time. The dish reheats well, though you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce consistency.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for my Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta? You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For dairy-free options, try coconut cream or cashew cream.

Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe that’s transformed countless weeknight dinners from stressful to spectacular! This one-pan wonder proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients, just good-quality basics and a little know-how.

Fire up your stove and try this tonight! I promise you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so restaurant-worthy. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, al-dente pasta, and that creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce is pure comfort food magic.

Join the thousands of home cooks who’ve made this their go-to recipe! I love hearing about your variations and seeing your beautiful photos. Tag me @foodfansy when you make it – seeing your kitchen creations always makes my day.

Ready for more one-pan wonders? Try my [Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta] or [One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables] next! Both follow the same simple technique but offer completely different flavor profiles to keep your dinner rotation exciting.

Happy cooking, and remember – great food comes from the heart, not complicated recipes.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

– Emeli
Founder & Chef at FoodFansy.com

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe: Ultimate 30-Minute Miracle

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• Author: Emeli
• Total Time: 35mins

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is an easy yet restaurant-worthy dinner. With an irresistibly rich and creamy sauce and tender chicken, this will quickly become your new favorite pasta dish. The best part…it’s all made in one pan, in just about 30 minutes so you can enjoy it even on the weeknights when the comfort food craving hits.

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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 & pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ jumbo yellow onion diced (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

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Instructions

 

1. In a small bowl, mix together the italian seasoning, paprika, salt & pepper. Pat the chicken dry and then rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.

2. 1 tbsp italian seasoning,½ tsp paprika,salt & pepper,1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

3. Bring a large pan to medium heat. Once hot, add avocado oil. Then, add seasoned chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

4. 1 tbsp avocado oil

5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add more avocado oil and butter. Then, add onion and season it with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until beginning to get tender and translucent. Add garlic, stir, and cook for 1 minute longer.

6. 1 tbsp avocado oil,1 tbsp unsalted butter,½ jumbo yellow onion,4-6 large cloves garlic

7. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the broth to come to a light boil. Then, add the dry pasta and stir to make sure that the pasta is submerged in the broth.

8. 2 cups chicken broth,8 oz dry penne pasta

9. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is al-dente.

10. Turn off the heat and add in the parmesan, heavy cream and parsley. Stir until the parmesan is melted and the sauce is warm and thickened slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

11. 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese,½ cup heavy cream,2 tbsp chopped parsley

12. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it into the pan along with the pasta. Toss to combine. Then, serve & enjoy!

Notes

 It’s best to freshly grate your own parmesan cheese instead of using store-bought as it will melt better. 

• Prep Time: 5minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 people
• Calories: 655kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1021mg
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Protein: 41g

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta