This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, penne pasta, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a silky cream sauce. It's easy enough for a weeknight but still tastes rich and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Everything cooks in one pan for easier cleanup.
- The garlic Parmesan sauce turns rich and creamy without flour.
- The pasta absorbs flavor directly from the broth while cooking.
- Juicy seasoned chicken makes the dish feel hearty and satisfying.
- Ready in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
There was a small restaurant I once visited where creamy pasta dishes were served bubbling hot in wide, shallow pans. The sauce was smooth without feeling too heavy, just rich enough to coat every piece of pasta with garlic and Parmesan flavor. This recipe reminds me of that style of cooking because everything comes together in one pan and builds flavor naturally.
Now I make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta whenever I need a dinner that feels cozy but still practical for busy evenings. One of the things I love most is how the pasta absorbs the chicken broth while cooking, which helps create a richer sauce without needing flour or complicated techniques. The Parmesan melts directly into the cream, creating a silky texture that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
If you enjoy creamy one-pan dinners, you could also try my creamy chicken recipes or other comforting pasta dinners on Vargasavour Recipes. Recipes like Marry Me Chicken or creamy chicken pasta dishes pair naturally with the same cozy weeknight style this recipe delivers.
Why This Garlic Parmesan Sauce Turns So Creamy
One of the reasons this sauce works so well is because the pasta cooks directly in the chicken broth instead of separately in water. As the pasta releases starch, the liquid naturally thickens and helps create a silky texture, while the garlic, onion, chicken, and pasta build flavor together in the same pan.
The heavy cream adds richness, and the Parmesan brings both flavor and body to the sauce. Adding the Parmesan after the cream has warmed through helps it melt more smoothly, while a brief rest before serving lets the sauce cling better to every bite.
Key Ingredients in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at key ingredients and why I use them.
- Chicken & Seasonings: I use chicken breast because it cooks quickly and stays tender when rested before slicing. Salt, white pepper powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika give the chicken a warm, savory flavor without overpowering the creamy sauce.
- Onion, Garlic & Butter: The yellow onion, garlic, butter, and extra virgin olive oil create the base of the dish. I like this combination because it gives the pasta a rich homemade flavor before the broth and cream go in.
- Pasta & Creamy Sauce: Penne pasta works well because it holds the garlic Parmesan sauce nicely. Chicken broth helps the pasta cook with more flavor, while heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese make the sauce smooth, creamy, and comforting.
- Parsley: I like finishing with chopped parsley because it adds a fresh touch and balances the richness of the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Season & Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and spices, rubbing them evenly on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, then remove it from the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes, and slice it.
2. Cook the Pasta: In the same pan, melt the butter, cook the onion for 3-4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, stir in the penne, cover, and cook for 7 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, cook for 1 minute, then add the Parmesan and stir until melted into the sauce.
4. Finish & Serve: Add the sliced chicken back to the pan and cook for 1 minute to heat through. Finish with chopped parsley and serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Helpful Swaps
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay extra juicy in the creamy sauce.
- Swap the Pasta: I sometimes use rigatoni or rotini instead of penne because both shapes hold the garlic Parmesan sauce really well.
- Add Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end adds a little freshness and works nicely with the creamy garlic flavor.
Tips for the Creamiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Keep the Simmer Gentle: I like keeping the broth at a gentle simmer while the pasta cooks because it gives the penne time to soften without the liquid reducing too fast.
Use a Large Deep Pan: For this recipe, I always reach for a wide, deep pan so the pasta has enough room to cook evenly in the broth.
Slice the Chicken Evenly: I try to slice the rested chicken into even pieces so it mixes nicely through the pasta and warms through without drying out.
Taste Before Adding More Salt: Before adding anything extra, I always taste the sauce because the Parmesan already brings plenty of salty flavor.
Storage
I usually store leftover garlic Parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I like adding a small splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it smooth and creamy.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
I like serving this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with garlic bread or warm ciabatta to soak up the extra sauce. A simple tomato burrata salad or crisp green salad works especially well because it balances the richness of the pasta. For dessert, something light like lemon mousse makes a great finish.
Try These Pasta Recipes Next!
Recipe
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500 g chicken breast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 1 yellow onion - chopped
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic - minced
- 500 ml chicken broth
- 200 g penne pasta
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 100 g Parmesan cheese - grated
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley - chopped
Instructions
- Season 1 pound (500 g) chicken breast with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon white pepper, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika, rubbing the spices evenly on all sides.
- Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Pour in 2 cups (500 ml) chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add 7 ounces (200 g) penne pasta, stir well, cover, and cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in ⅔ cup (150 ml) heavy cream and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Once everything is well combined, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
- Gently stir in the sliced chicken and cook everything together for 1 minute to heat through.
- Serve the garlic Parmesan chicken pasta warm, topped with additional Parmesan.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a total winner! The creamy sauce is packed with flavor, and the chicken is perfectly cooked. It's so easy to make and even better to eat. This is definitely a new family favorite!