Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 & 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 (normal, gluten free, or protein pasta); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

There’s something so satisfying about a rich, luscious pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes with tender chicken, decadent sauce, and garlic-infused goodness that’ll have you coming back for seconds without guilt.

A white bowl filled with a creamy pasta dish sits on a white marbled surface. The pasta is penne, pale yellow, covered in a thick, light beige cream sauce with green herb flecks. On top, there are many long, thin strips of cooked chicken, browned on the edges and mixed evenly with the pasta. The dish is sprinkled with grated cheese and black pepper. A black fork rests on the right side inside the bowl. In the background, there is a white cloth and a pan with more of the same pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe—it was an instant favorite in my household. It’s just one pan, about 30 minutes, and the flavors? Absolutely restaurant-worthy, yet totally approachable and perfect for busy weeknights.

One-pan wonder: Minimizes cleanup while still delivering maximum flavor and creaminess.
Rich and comforting: The garlic and parmesan create a sauce that’s indulgent without being too heavy.
Tender chicken every time: Seasoned and cooked just right, it stays juicy and pairs perfectly with pasta.
Quick to make: Ready in about 35 minutes, which means minimal prep and more family time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is really in the balance of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together. Each one complements the others to build layers of flavor and that signature creamy texture.

Flat lay of a raw boneless, skinless chicken breast, a small bowl of avocado oil, a small bowl of unsalted butter, half a jumbo yellow onion diced into small cubes, several large peeled garlic cloves, dry uncooked penne pasta, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with finely grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, and a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning with visible dried herbs, salt, and pepper crystals, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Avocado oil (or olive oil): I love avocado oil for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, perfect for searing chicken to juicy perfection.
Chicken breasts: Use boneless and skinless, pounded down for even cooking and tenderness.
Italian seasoning & paprika: These spices add a warm, savory base that ups the flavor without overpowering the cream sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps cook the aromatics gently.
Yellow onion & garlic: Foundational flavors that infuse the whole dish with warmth and depth.
Penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce nicely thanks to its shape, but feel free to swap in gluten-free or protein pasta varieties.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory base liquid and deglazes the pan for extra flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Choose freshly grated for melting smoothness and authentic taste.
Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly silky, creamy texture everyone loves.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a burst of color at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but I’m all about making it your own. I often play around with different herbs or swap penne for bow ties when I want a fun twist. You can even add veggies or swap cream for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter take.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is tossing in baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes near the end for added color and flavor. It makes the dish even more vibrant!
Gluten-free: Using gluten-free pasta keeps it friendly for gluten-sensitive guests without changing the taste much.
Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle, warming heat that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with browned chicken strips. The pasta is coated in a thick light beige sauce with green herb flecks and black pepper sprinkled on top. The chicken pieces are golden with some crisp edges and sit evenly mixed with the pasta. A black fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially inserted into the pasta. In the background, there is a shiny metal pan also filled with the same pasta dish, placed on a wooden table with a white cloth nearby. The overall scene is bright with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry—that helps the seasoning stick and get a nice crust. Mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then rub it onto both sides. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add avocado oil. When it’s hot, lay the chicken in and cook about 3-5 minutes per side until the inside hits 165°F. Don’t rush this step: properly seared chicken locks in moisture and flavor. Once done, set it aside to rest—it’ll stay juicy!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium-low and add more avocado oil along with butter. Toss in diced yellow onion with a pinch of salt, cooking until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic last—it cooks quickly and can burn if left too long, so just about a minute to bring out that amazing aroma.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Right in the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step adds a ton of flavor to your sauce so don’t skip it! Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then add dry penne pasta, making sure it’s submerged. Cover and let it cook for around 10 minutes until al dente—keep an eye so it doesn’t overcook.

Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Goodness

Turn off the heat and stir parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and fresh parsley into the pasta. The cheese melts into the sauce beautifully, thickening it while the cream adds the silky texture that elevates this dish. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips and toss it gently back into the pan with the pasta and sauce. This allows the chicken to soak up a little sauce without getting dry. Serve it hot, garnish as you like, and enjoy the comfort and flavor that makes this dish a repeat in my kitchen!

Top Tip

From my many attempts at this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn it from good to unforgettable. These tips help you nail that creamy sauce and juicy chicken every time.

Don’t skip the deglazing: Scraping those browned bits off the pan adds a deep, savory flavor that truly makes the sauce sing.
Use fresh parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent melting smoothly, so freshly grated parmesan makes a creamier sauce.
Let chicken rest: Resting your chicken after cooking keeps it moist and tender when sliced.
Keep an eye on pasta: Cooking pasta directly in broth is awesome but watch timing closely so it doesn’t turn mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Sometimes, a light dusting of grated parmesan right before serving gives a nice finishing touch. If you want a bit of zing, freshly cracked black pepper works wonders here.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is rich and filling, I usually pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread on the side? Always welcome, especially for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge for a fresh pop. I’ve even served it in small, elegant ramekins as a cozy, intimate dinner that impresses with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up for that creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible but I find the sauce separates a bit on thawing. If you freeze, thaw fully in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a bit of extra liquid to bring it back.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Microwaving can work too, but watch it closely to avoid drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more fat and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure they’re cooked through and remain juicy.

What type of pasta works best in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Penne is a great choice because its shape holds the creamy sauce well. But feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream substitute like coconut cream. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The best way is using a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should read 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut a thick piece to check that juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe isn’t just a crowd-pleaser, it’s also a comforting reminder of why simple ingredients cooked with care can create a meal to savor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe it becomes your go-to for nights when you want something cozy without the fuss.