One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta – Creamy, Easy & Irresistible

This One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a weeknight dinner winner. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce—all made in a single pan and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a family-friendly dish that delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort and even less cleanup.

Perfect for busy evenings, cozy dinners, or when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple, this creamy garlic parmesan pasta hits all the right notes: savory, comforting, and packed with flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Everything cooks in one pan—easy cleanup

• Creamy, cheesy, and full of garlic flavor

• 30-minute meal—perfect for weeknights

• Balanced with protein and carbs

• Customizable with veggies or gluten-free pasta

• Great for meal prep and next-day leftovers

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Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need

Chicken

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin

• Seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs

• Sear until golden and juicy

Pasta

• Choose short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli

• Cooks right in the sauce for maximum flavor

• Whole wheat or gluten-free options work too

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Garlic: Fresh cloves for the boldest flavor

• Butter: Adds richness to the base

• Chicken broth & milk or cream: Forms the liquid foundation

• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for melt and flavor

• Optional cream cheese: For extra creaminess

Optional Add-ins

• Spinach, peas, or broccoli for a nutrition boost

• Red pepper flakes for heat

• Lemon zest for brightness

• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

• Slice 2 chicken breasts into thin strips or cubes

• Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat

• Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through

• Remove from skillet and set aside

2. Sauté Garlic & Start Sauce

In the same skillet:

• Add 1 tbsp butter and 4 minced garlic cloves

• Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown)

• Stir in 2½ cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)

3. Cook the Pasta

• Add 8 oz dry pasta to the skillet

• Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer

• Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender

4. Finish the Sauce

• Remove lid and stir in ½ cup grated parmesan

• Optional: Add 2 oz cream cheese for richer sauce

• Stir until sauce is creamy and smooth

• Add cooked chicken back to the pan

• Simmer another 2–3 minutes to heat through and thicken slightly

5. Serve & Garnish

• Taste and adjust seasoning

• Serve hot, topped with parsley, extra parmesan, or chili flakes

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Success

• Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking

• Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and tastes richer

• Keep heat low when finishing the sauce to avoid curdling

Flavor Variations

• Spicy garlic parmesan: Add crushed red pepper flakes

• Lemon garlic: Stir in lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice

• Veggie-loaded: Add spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli at the end

• Bacon boost: Add crispy crumbled bacon for smoky richness

Ingredient Swaps

• Milk → Use half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk

• Pasta → Use gluten-free, whole wheat, or chickpea pasta

• Chicken → Try shrimp or plant-based chicken for variation

• Parmesan → Use pecorino romano or a vegan alternative

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is perfect as a standalone main, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing

• Garlic bread or a whole grain roll

• Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus

• A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Ideal For:

• Weeknight family dinners

• Meal prep (stays creamy when reheated)

• Date night in

• Potlucks or casual gatherings

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Nutrition & Health Notes

This recipe balances comfort food with simple, clean ingredients. You get protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, and calcium from the cheese.

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 35g

• Carbs: 35g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: ~600mg

Lightening It Up:

• Use reduced-fat milk and skip cream cheese

• Use chickpea or lentil pasta for extra fiber and protein

• Add spinach or broccoli for added nutrients

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FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce.

2. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Just add it during the final step when tossing everything together.

3. Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and cheese are certified GF.

4. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes. Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a little shredded mozzarella can work, though Parmesan gives the most classic flavor.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Don’t let the sauce boil after adding cheese or cream cheese. Keep heat low and stir constantly.

6. Can I freeze this recipe?

This pasta is best fresh, but it can be frozen. Freeze in portions and reheat with added milk. Pasta may soften slightly upon thawing.

7. What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the sauce well. Fettuccine or linguine also works if you prefer long noodles.

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