Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, one-pan dish packed with rich flavors. Juicy, seasoned chicken is pan-seared to perfection, then combined with tender pasta and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy yet satisfying dinner, this dish is quick to make and loved by the whole family!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta (or fettuccine, linguine)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare & Cook the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic & Onion
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Cook the Pasta in One Pan
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in liquid.
- Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
- Slowly add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy.
- Mix in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using.
5. Add Back the Chicken & Garnish
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Spoon some sauce over it and let it warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version: Use whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- For a gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.
- For extra flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or extra garlic.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pan Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Dinner