Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

• Flavorful and Satisfying: This dish is bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. It’s also incredibly satisfying, thanks to the protein from the chicken and the heartiness of the pasta.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to make, even for beginner cooks. You’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!
• One-Pan Wonder: This dish is made in just one pan, which means less cleanup for you.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with different vegetables, herbs, or protein.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breast: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for a classic Italian flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of smoky flavor and color.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken.

For the Pasta:

• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Used for cooking the vegetables.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Yellow Onion: A diced onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
• Penne Pasta: I use penne pasta for this recipe, but you can use any type of pasta you like.
• Chicken Broth: Adds flavor to the sauce and helps cook the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
• Veggie Delight: Add some other vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Different Protein: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
• Creamy Twist: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the avocado oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add more avocado oil and butter to the pan. Add the diced onion and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the broth to come to a light boil. Add the dry pasta and stir to ensure it’s submerged in the broth. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Turn off the heat and add the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and parsley to the pan. Stir until the Parmesan cheese is melted and the sauce is warm. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the pan with the pasta. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken breasts are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.
• Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How to Serve

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and then reheat them with the sauce before serving.
• Storing: Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, but I find that penne works best for this dish. Other pasta shapes that would work well include rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti.

Can I make this dish with boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be a delicious alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, you can use dried parsley, but fresh parsley has a brighter flavor. If using dried parsley, reduce the amount by about half.

There you have it! A flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe. I hope you enjoy it!

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