Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One pan garlic Parmesan chicken pasta delight is the perfect dish when you want a comforting meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. This recipe combines juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce—all cooked in one pan for ultimate convenience. The sauce is velvety and flavorful, coating each piece of pasta while enhancing the chicken’s savory notes. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that feels indulgent enough for special occasions, offering a balance of simplicity and elegance. The flavors of garlic and Parmesan shine through, while the one-pan method keeps cooking efficient and stress-free. Ideal for busy families or anyone craving a cozy meal, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite. Serve it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread, and you have a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner in under 40 minutes.
One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight: Creamy and Comforting
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This one-pan garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, garlic, and pasta all cooked together for a quick and easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 10–12 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and butter. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Add spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Thin sauce with extra broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts are lean and tender, adding hearty protein to the dish.
Olive oil ensures the chicken sears beautifully and stays juicy.
Butter enriches the sauce, lending creamy flavor.
Garlic is the star seasoning, infusing the sauce with robust aroma.
Onion adds depth and a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
Chicken broth creates the base for cooking the pasta and sauce together.
Heavy cream thickens the sauce, making it velvety and rich.
Parmesan cheese provides nutty, salty richness that defines the dish.
Pasta (penne or rigatoni) cooks directly in the pan, absorbing flavor.
Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color for garnish.
Salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly.
Red pepper flakes (optional) bring a subtle heat for those who like spice.
Directions
Begin by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove, slice, and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta, stirring occasionally until tender and most of the broth is absorbed. Reduce the heat, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Return the sliced chicken to the pan, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with parsley and serve warm, straight from the skillet.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking requires 25 minutes, for a total of 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Spinach addition – Stir in fresh spinach for extra nutrition.
Mushroom mix-in – Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor.
Cheese lover’s – Use a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Spicy twist – Add chili flakes or cayenne for more heat.
Herb boost – Toss in fresh basil or thyme for aromatic depth.
Gluten-free option – Swap pasta with gluten-free alternatives.
Lightened version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Bacon upgrade – Add crispy bacon bits for smoky richness.
Lemon zest – Add a hint of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
Shrimp swap – Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it when combining the pasta with the sauce.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter; use milk and more Parmesan.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan and adjust liquid amounts.
Conclusion
One pan garlic Parmesan chicken pasta delight is a creamy, comforting meal that combines convenience with indulgence. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. Quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and versatile enough for endless variations, this recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. Once you try it, it will surely earn a spot in your family’s favorite meals.
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