Golden pan-seared chicken, creamy garlic-infused parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all come together in this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight. It’s a weeknight dream that delivers restaurant-quality comfort food without the pile of dishes. The sauce is velvety, the flavors rich, and the textures completely satisfying.

Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry family or need something impressive for a cozy dinner, this one-pan wonder is a foolproof favorite. It balances creamy indulgence with savory bites of seasoned chicken, making every forkful worthy of seconds—or thirds.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started on the One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight, you’ll want to gather a few kitchen essentials that make the process smooth and the results consistent:

Large Nonstick Skillet or Saute Pan: This is your main cooking vessel. It should be wide enough to accommodate both the chicken and pasta while deep enough to hold the sauce. Nonstick prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Tongs or Spatula: These tools are helpful when flipping chicken pieces to ensure even browning without tearing the meat.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need these for prepping the chicken and herbs.

Grater or Microplane: Freshly grated parmesan makes a world of difference in flavor and melts beautifully.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision ensures the creamy garlic parmesan sauce turns out balanced every time.

Having the right tools not only enhances efficiency but helps bring out the flavors and textures this dish is known for.

Ingredients for the One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

Each ingredient here plays an essential role in building depth and comfort into this pasta dish:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The protein star, providing that golden, juicy bite.
Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken, it adds richness and helps achieve that golden crust.

Butter – Adds creaminess and blends perfectly with the garlic for a deep flavor base.
Garlic (minced) – The aromatic foundation of the dish, infusing everything with bold flavor.
Heavy Cream – This makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and thick.

Chicken Broth – Helps balance richness while enhancing the savory profile.
Penne Pasta – Its ridges catch the creamy sauce beautifully.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – For that nutty, salty layer that melts into the sauce.

Salt & Pepper – Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley (chopped) – A bright pop of color and a fresh herbal lift at the end.

How To Make the One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them on each side for about 5–6 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes before stirring in the parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Add uncooked penne pasta directly to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slice the seared chicken and return it to the pan. Let it heat through for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Dish

Serve this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta straight from the skillet while it’s hot and creamy. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs beautifully to round out the meal. For a visual pop, sprinkle extra parmesan or parsley just before serving.

To store leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing isn’t ideal due to the dairy in the sauce, which can separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but thighs can also be used for extra juiciness and flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, just skip the searing step and stir the shredded chicken in at the end when you’re combining everything.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Avoid high heat after adding the cream and cheese. Gentle simmering ensures a smooth, velvety sauce.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help thicken it.

What other pasta shapes work well?

Rotini, fettuccine, or rigatoni are all good alternatives that hold sauce nicely.

How can I make it spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic or stir in a dash of hot sauce to the cream base.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, check out these other irresistible dishes on Life With Olivia:

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a crispy-cheesy twist.

Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta for sweet heat lovers.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with veggie goodness.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for more garlic-parmesan comfort.

Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce when you’re craving handheld and hearty.

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Visit my Pinterest where I share daily meal ideas and kitchen favorites: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with penne or try another pasta? Did you add extra garlic or a spicy kick?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Golden seared chicken, penne pasta, and a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce all made in one pan—this recipe is the ultimate in cozy, comforting meals with minimal cleanup. A true weeknight favorite that’s as easy as it is indulgent.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.

4. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Add the uncooked penne pasta. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.

6. Slice the seared chicken and return it to the skillet. Heat through for 2–3 minutes.

7. Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-shredded. It melts better and has a richer taste.

Avoid boiling the sauce on high—keep it to a simmer to prevent curdling.

To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner

Method: One-Pan
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion

Calories: 710
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 640mg

Fat: 43g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g

Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: chicken pasta, one pan, creamy garlic, parmesan dinner