Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is the kind of recipe that quickly earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation. I usually reach for this dish on nights when I want something rich and satisfying but still manageable in one pan. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce delivers comfort food flavor without feeling overly complicated. What I appreciate most is how the pasta absorbs the sauce as it cooks, creating a cohesive dish where every bite is full of flavor. I tested this recipe using both chicken breast and chicken thighs, and while both work well, chicken breast keeps the dish lighter and lets the garlic and Parmesan shine. This skillet meal feels indulgent, yet it is simple enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough to serve guests.
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Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and creamy one-skillet pasta dish made with tender chicken, garlic, and a cheesy Parmesan sauce—perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast serves as the main protein and cooks quickly while remaining tender when cut into bite-sized pieces.
Pasta forms the base of the dish. Short shapes like penne or rotini work best because they hold the creamy sauce well.
Butter adds richness and creates a flavorful base for the garlic.
Olive oil is used alongside butter to prevent burning and to evenly brown the chicken.
Garlic cloves provide the bold, savory aroma that defines this recipe. Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor.
Heavy cream creates the luxurious, creamy texture of the sauce and balances the sharpness of the cheese.
Parmesan cheese brings salty, nutty depth. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and enhances the sauce.
Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor while helping the pasta cook evenly in the skillet.
Italian seasoning enhances the dish with subtle herbal notes that complement the garlic and cheese.
Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and balancing the richness of the sauce.
Fresh parsley adds color and a light, fresh finish before serving.
Directions
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the dry pasta, stirring to ensure it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Reduce the heat, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and gradually add the Parmesan cheese.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Simmer briefly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 30 minutes. The total time from start to finish is around 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to maintain a smooth texture.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is easy to customize. I often add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture. For a lighter version, half-and-half can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. If you enjoy heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle warmth. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, for extra creaminess. I have tried this dish with whole wheat pasta, which adds a nuttier flavor while still working well with the sauce.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich in protein and calcium due to the chicken and Parmesan cheese. While it is indulgent, pairing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables helps create a balanced meal. It is not suitable for dairy-free diets without substitutions.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Golden Chicken Texture
Allow the chicken to brown properly before removing it from the skillet for better flavor.
Creamy Sauce Control
Add the Parmesan gradually over low heat to prevent clumping.
One-Pan Success
Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to ensure even texture and prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well in this recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with added liquid.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter sauce.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, they add extra juiciness and flavor.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Add a splash of broth or cream while reheating.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, broccoli, or peas are excellent additions.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but red pepper flakes can be added for heat.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated can be used if necessary.
What pairs well with this dish?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables pair well.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal that delivers creamy texture and bold garlic-Parmesan flavor with minimal effort. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and satisfying results make it a reliable choice for both busy weeknights and relaxed family dinners.
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