Description

This cozy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner win—creamy, comforting, and made in just one pan with pantry staples. Packed with juicy, seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, this dish tastes indulgent but comes together quickly and on a budget.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded evenly)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp oil (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 to taste)

2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

8 oz dry pasta (penne or similar)

½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

A handful of chopped parsley (fresh or dried, optional)

Instructions

Season & Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear chicken 3–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add oil and butter, then diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Cook Pasta: Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom of the pan. Add pasta, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or water if needed.
Finish the Sauce: Turn off the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add parsley if desired.
Combine: Slice the rested chicken and return to the pan. Toss with the pasta and sauce. Serve warm.

Notes

No heavy cream? Mix whole milk with 1 tsp cornstarch and add at the end.

Already have cooked chicken? Skip the first step and add it at the end to warm through.

Stretch the meal with frozen peas or spinach for a veggie boost.

Great with roasted broccoli, a green salad, or crusty bread for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, one pan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, budget-friendly pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner