Name: One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt & pepper (to taste); 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 jumbo yellow onion (diced (1 cup)); 4-6 cloves garlic (minced); 8 oz dry penne pasta (normal, gluten-free, or protein pasta); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe

If you crave comfort and flavor but hate piling up a sink of dishes, this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta will become your new culinary soulmate. It’s creamy, garlicky, and loaded with juicy chicken—all made in a single pan for maximum ease and minimum stress. Whether you’re feeding the family after a long weeknight or inviting friends over for a cozy meal, this dish puts incredible flavor on the table with surprisingly little effort. The classic combination of garlic and parmesan absolutely shines here, coating every bite of tender pasta and seared chicken for a meal that’s pure joy from start to finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a short list of simple, quality ingredients transforms into a showstopping dinner. Every item here is carefully chosen to create incredible depth of flavor, a silky sauce, and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to life:

Avocado oil or olive oil: Either works beautifully to sear the chicken and start the sauce with a mild, rich foundation.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Butterflied or pounded thin, this ensures quick, even cooking and succulent bites.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant, balanced blend that brings herby warmth to both the chicken and the sauce.
Paprika: Adds mild heat and a touch of color, rounding out the chicken’s savory coating.
Salt & pepper: Use to taste, elevating every other flavor in the dish.
Unsalted butter: Provides a lush, golden base for the onion and garlic, adding richness to the sauce.
Jumbo yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and depth, bringing the whole dish together.
Fresh garlic: The star of this pasta, lending fragrant, punchy flavor that permeates every bite.
Dry penne pasta: Perfect tubes for catching creamy sauce—regular, gluten free, or protein-rich choices are all welcome.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory notes while helping it cook to tender perfection right in the pan.
Finely grated parmesan cheese: Melted in at the end for salty, nutty goodness and luxurious creaminess.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky, rich, and totally crave-worthy.
Chopped parsley: A bright, fresh pop that balances richness and looks restaurant-worthy sprinkled on top.

How to Make One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by mixing the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your chicken breasts dry (this is key for a deep, golden sear!), then coat both sides generously with the seasoning blend. This step ensures every bite of chicken is packed with herby, savory flavor, and keeps the meat moist as it cooks.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Next, bring a large pan to medium heat and add a generous swirl of avocado or olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken in the pan and let it sizzle away for 3-5 minutes per side. You’re looking for that irresistible golden crust and an internal temperature of 165F. When cooked through, set the chicken aside to rest—it’ll stay juicy and slice beautifully later.

Step 3: Start the Flavorful Base

Lower the heat to medium-low, then add a bit more oil plus the butter for extra richness. Toss in your diced onion and sprinkle with salt, sautéing until it turns soft and translucent, about three minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, letting that outrageous aroma fill your kitchen—this is the backbone of your sauce!

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up every tasty browned bit stuck to the pan—these bits are pure flavor! Let the broth come to a gentle boil, then stir in your pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. The magic of this recipe is that the pasta cooks right in the savory broth, soaking up all of that herby, garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Simmer and Soften

Pop a lid on and let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, just until it’s al dente. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and make sure everything cooks evenly. The aroma at this point is downright irresistible!

Step 6: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and fresh parsley. As you mix, the cheese will melt into the cream and broth, making a luscious sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. Taste and tweak the seasonings with extra salt and pepper if you like—a little more cheese never hurts, either!

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the pan, nestling it right into the creamy pasta. Give everything a gentle toss so the pasta and chicken are coated in that dreamy sauce. Now you’re ready to dish up hearty, restaurant-style bowls of One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Bring a finishing flourish to your One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with an extra shower of parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and, if you have it, a little cracked black pepper on top. These touches add color, aroma, and a pop of freshness. For more zing, try a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes

Although this pasta holds its own as a meal, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can lighten things up and round out your plate. Crusty bread is always welcome for soaking up extra sauce, and a glass of chilled white wine makes dinner feel special in no time.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can serve One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta family-style in the pan for a rustic, shareable experience. Or plate individual portions, fanning the chicken slices on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Mini skillets or stylish bowls work beautifully if you want to get fancy for company!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge—this pasta keeps well for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner just as satisfying as the first time around.

Freezing

While cream-based pastas can be tricky to freeze because the sauce may separate, you can still freeze portions of One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in sturdy containers for up to two months. Just know the texture may be slightly less creamy after thawing, but it’s still absolutely delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through—this brings back that silky texture and helps the cheese melt smoothly again. The microwave works too, just add a drizzle of liquid and cover to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic, any short pasta shape like rotini, rigatoni, or even shells will soak up that garlicky, cheesy sauce beautifully. Just adjust the simmering time as needed for your chosen pasta.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries! You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch—just be aware the sauce will be a little lighter. Add a bit more parmesan for extra richness if you like.

Can I add vegetables to One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Definitely! Toss in spinach during the last minute of simmering for a burst of color, or stir in peas, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes when you cook the onions and garlic for extra texture and vibrancy.

Is it possible to make this gluten free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten free penne pasta and keep an eye on cooking time, as it may cook a bit faster than regular pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free!

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You’ll love this vegetarian-style: swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or use plant-based chicken and choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The garlic parmesan sauce is just as irresistible—everyone wins!

Final Thoughts

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat: fast, comforting, and packed with flavor. Its crowd-pleasing blend of creamy sauce, plenty of garlic, and golden chicken is utterly irresistible. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if your friends and family ask for seconds (and the recipe!).

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken, al-dente pasta, creamy parmesan sauce, and aromatic garlic. A perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt & pepper. Rub the chicken with the seasoning.
Cook the Chicken: Sear chicken in oil until cooked through. Set aside to rest.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Cook onion and garlic until tender.
Cook the Pasta: Deglaze pan with broth, add pasta, cover, and cook until al-dente.
Finish the Dish: Add parmesan, cream, and parsley to the pasta. Adjust seasoning. Add sliced chicken. Toss to combine.
Serve: Plate the dish and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian