One night I opened the fridge, stared at a sad bag of chicken, some pasta, and a block of parmesan I forgot about, and thought… why not? I mean, how hard can garlic parmesan chicken pasta be? Famous last words.
Spoiler: it wasn’t hard. It was actually ridiculously easy. And in about 30 minutes, I had creamy, garlicky pasta that made me forget all my adulting problems. Sure, I burned a tiny edge of the chicken and almost dumped too much pasta water in the sauce, but that’s part of the fun.
This recipe stuck with me because it’s quick, forgiving, and perfect for nights when you don’t want to overthink dinner.
Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)
- Quick Preparation: The entire dish can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic and Parmesan delivers a rich taste that appeals to a wide audience.
- Versatile Recipe: This dish can easily accommodate various ingredient substitutions and additions based on personal preferences.
- Nutritious Meal: Lean chicken breast and a moderate amount of cream provide a balance of protein and energy.
- Leftovers are Delicious: Leftovers maintain their flavor and texture for easy reheating.
- Customizable Portions: The recipe can be scaled up or down depending on the number of servings needed.
- Family-Friendly: This meal tends to be a hit with children and adults alike.
- Minimal Cleanup: Prepared in one pan, reducing the number of dishes to wash afterward.
Tips I Learned the Hard Way
- Thoroughly Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes even cooking.
- Don’t Rush Cooking the Pasta: Allow the pasta to cook until al dente for the best texture.
- Scrape the Pan Well: Deglazing the pan enhances flavor and prevents burning.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste the dish before adding more salt or pepper to avoid over-seasoning.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain its juices.
- Stir Gently: When combining the dish, stir gently to avoid breaking up the pasta.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan significantly enhance flavor.
- Keep the Heat Moderate: Avoid cooking on high heat, which can lead to uneven cooking of the chicken and pasta.
Variations You Can Try
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
- Use Different Pasta Types: Whole wheat, gluten-free, or other pasta shapes can be utilized based on dietary preferences.
- Incorporate Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or a vegetarian alternative for diversity.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing in different cheeses such as Asiago or Pecorino for varied flavors.
- Add Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can enhance the dish’s aroma and freshness.
- Spice It Up: Introduce red pepper flakes or sautéed jalapeños for a touch of heat.
- Use Cream Alternatives: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version.
- Change the Seasoning: Experiment with different seasoning blends such as Cajun or Southwest for a culinary twist.
How to Make Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
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
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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
- 8 oz dry penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.
Step 2: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil and place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining avocado oil and butter to the same pan. Add the diced onion, season lightly with salt, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring often.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the broth to a light boil, then add the dry pasta. Stir so the pasta is mostly submerged.
Step 5: Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and parsley. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve warm and enjoy.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil and place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining avocado oil and butter to the same pan. Add the diced onion, season lightly with salt, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring often.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the broth to a light boil, then add the dry pasta. Stir so the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and parsley. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 574 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 70 gm |
| Fat | 19 gm |
| Protein | 29 g |
How I Like to Serve This
- Pair with a light green salad for added freshness.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Top with additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.
- Offer lemon wedges on the side for a citrusy twist.
- Serve it in bowls for a comforting aesthetic.
Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
- This dish may be frozen for up to two months; however, the texture of the pasta may change upon reheating.
- Ensure the dish is completely cooled before freezing.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Add a little cream or cheese when reheating to restore creaminess.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for additional flavor and moisture.
- Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe? Yes, plant-based cream and cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.
- How can I ensure the pasta cooks evenly? Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to ensure even hydration.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time; just combine before serving.
- What is the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Can I cook the pasta separately? While this technique is possible, it is recommended to cook it in the broth for maximum flavor absorption.
- What can I serve this dish with? A side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables pair well.
- How do I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to increase heat.
