Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken breast with al dente penne pasta, all cooked in a savory garlic parmesan sauce. A perfect weeknight dinner that's easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, featuring Italian seasoning, paprika, and fresh parsley for a deliciously comforting dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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)
Sauce and Pasta
- 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 (regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the pan. Add diced onion, season lightly with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until translucent and tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
- Deglaze and Add Broth: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom to infuse flavor. Bring broth to a gentle boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add dry penne pasta to the boiling broth, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- Finish the Sauce: Turn off the heat. Stir in finely grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Mix until the Parmesan melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the rested chicken into strips and add back to the pan with the pasta. Toss to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Notes
- Butterflying or pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
- You can substitute the avocado oil with olive oil if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- If the sauce thickens too much after resting, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian