Some meals are so good, you can’t believe they’re a one-pan wonder. This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is one of them. It’s a rich, creamy, and savory dish that combines tender chicken and your favorite pasta, all smothered in a luxurious, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight, and it’s so flavorful that it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of one-pan meals because they mean less cleanup and more time enjoying the food. This recipe is a perfect example of how that works. The chicken is seared in the skillet, creating a beautiful flavor base for the sauce. The pasta then cooks right in the creamy garlic broth, absorbing all those delicious flavors. The addition of two types of cheese—gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan—makes the sauce incredibly rich and decadent. It’s a meal that feels both comforting and special, and it’s a foolproof way to get a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Pasta: Penne is a great choice here because its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also use other pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work wonderfully in this recipe, as they stay incredibly juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Cheese: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan is fantastic, but you could also use a different cheese like a Mexican blend or a Monterey Jack cheese.
- Spices: The Italian seasoning and paprika are key for the flavor, but you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it is fragrant. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the bottom and scrape up any delicious browned bits.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the liquid to a simmer and add the uncooked pasta and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the cheesy sauce. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish and serve the pasta hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. It will continue to cook a little in the hot sauce, so you don’t want it to be mushy.
- Scrape Up the Brown Bits: The browned bits at the bottom of the pan after you cook the chicken are pure flavor. When you add the broth, be sure to scrape them up.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest sauce, use a block of cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. For a classic feel, you could serve it with a slice of warm garlic bread.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
- Calories: Approx. 750 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 45g
- Fat: Approx. 45g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40g
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this pasta are fantastic! You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can simply microwave a single serving. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta before reheating to help revive the creaminess of the sauce.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love a good, comforting pasta dish, you’ll love these other recipes:
- For a classic you can’t go wrong with, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a winner.
- For a similar one-pan wonder with a Mexican twist, this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
- For a fun and tasty appetizer or easy meal, these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders are always a hit.
- If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, these Chicken Enchiladas are a true go-to.
- And for a hearty, comforting bowl of southern flavor, my Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a must-try.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is a perfect example of a meal that is both simple and satisfying. It’s the kind of dinner that will bring a smile to everyone’s face and prove that a hearty, homemade meal doesn’t have to be a big production.
Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and what you thought! What are your favorite one-pan pasta dishes? Happy cooking!
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: A Weeknight Wonder
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the pasta and enough water to cook it according to package instructions. Bring to a boil and cook until al dente.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce. Add Italian seasoning and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
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