Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta (Economical + Irresistible Version)

I’ll be honest—there was a time when I thought creamy pasta dishes were just for fancy nights out or the “splurge” section of the grocery list. But that changed one cozy Friday evening, after a long, hectic week juggling work, errands, and a toddler who decided naps were optional (spoiler: they’re not). I opened the fridge, hoping for inspiration, and saw some leftover chicken, half a block of Parmesan, and a single onion rolling around in the veggie drawer.

With nothing but pantry staples and a bit of hope, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta came to life—and let me tell you, it’s been on repeat ever since. Creamy, comforting, and made in just one pan, it feels special but takes zero special effort. And that’s the kind of weeknight win I’m all about.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is that “save-the-day” meal we all need in our back pocket. It’s packed with flavor, made from ingredients you probably already have, and comes together faster than takeout.

If you love cozy, cheesy dinners (but hate overspending), this one’s a must-try. I promise—Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is about to become your next go-to comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Version

• One pan = less mess, more time for the important things (like devouring this meal).
• Budget-friendly ingredients — nothing fancy, just flavorful pantry staples.
• Comforting, creamy, garlicky goodness that tastes like it came from a restaurant (but without the restaurant price tag).
• Flexible — use what you’ve got, make it your own!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded to even thickness)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp oil (whatever’s in your pantry – I use olive or canola)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp butter
• ½ onion, diced (yellow or white)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (or more if you’re garlic-obsessed like me)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth if that’s what you’ve got)
• 8 oz dry pasta (penne works great, but any short pasta is fair game)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk if that’s what’s in the fridge)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (yes, store-brand is totally fine!)
• A handful of fresh or dried parsley (optional, but adds a little flair)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Season & Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt & pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides (3–5 minutes each side) until golden and cooked through. Set aside and let it rest.

2. Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add oil + butter, then onions. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft, then toss in that glorious garlic. Sauté 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Add Pasta & Broth
Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom to get all the flavorful bits. Stir in your pasta. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (If your pasta’s still hard, add a splash more broth or water and cook another 2 minutes.)

4. Make It Creamy
Turn off the heat. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt & pepper. Add parsley if you’re feelin’ fancy.

5. Bring It All Together
Slice up that rested chicken and toss it back in the pan. Mix it with the pasta, let it soak in all that saucy goodness.

Budget-Friendly Tips from My Kitchen:

• No cream? Sub with whole milk + 1 tsp of cornstarch (mix before adding to the pan).
• Use leftover cooked chicken? Skip step 1 and toss it in at the end!
• Stretch the meal: Add frozen peas or chopped spinach for a veggie boost.

What to Serve It With

Keep it simple: roasted broccoli, a green salad, or some crusty bread (aka the parmesan sauce sponge).

Leftovers?

You’ll want them. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce silky.

Final Thoughts (From My Heart to Yours)

If you’re anything like me, you crave meals that are simple, cozy, and don’t require a trip to five different stores. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta checks every box: it’s easy, it’s affordable, and it tastes like a hug in a bowl. 🫶

I love how versatile this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is, too. You can add spinach, swap out the pasta shape, or toss in leftover veggies—it always turns out delicious. And the best part? It stores beautifully, so it’s great for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner table—it’s one of those recipes that just works, no matter how wild life gets. I’d love to hear how you make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta unique! Share your version in the comments or tag me @economicalrecipes. Let’s keep making magic in the kitchen, one budget-friendly bite at a time. 💛

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