One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

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This creamy, flavor-packed dish is comfort food at its finest. One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight is all about tender, golden-seared chicken resting over a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce that hugs every piece of perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising ease.

The best part? You only need one pan to make it all happen. This means fewer dishes, less hassle, and more time to sit down and enjoy a hearty, restaurant-worthy dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving something cozy after a long day, this pasta dish hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

• Creamy, cheesy, and full of garlic flavor
• One pan means minimal cleanup
• Cooks quickly with easy-to-find ingredients
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull this dish off effortlessly, you’ll need a few kitchen staples. A large, deep nonstick skillet or sauté pan is crucial—this is where all the magic happens. You’ll also want a sharp knife for slicing the chicken, a cutting board, and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring.

The deep skillet ensures even heat distribution and enough room to cook both the chicken and pasta without overcrowding. A good quality nonstick surface helps the chicken brown beautifully without sticking, while a sharp knife guarantees clean, quick prep. Stirring tools that won’t damage your pan’s surface will keep the creamy sauce smooth and well-blended.

Preparation Tips

Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to get everything prepped and organized. Slice your chicken breasts evenly so they cook at the same rate. Measure out your ingredients ahead of time, especially the garlic and parmesan, so you can add them without rushing. Don’t skip the browning step—a good sear on the chicken adds depth of flavor. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce to absorb all those rich, garlicky notes. Finally, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the cheese melts into a smooth, luxurious sauce.

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Ingredients for this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional for richness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and a touch of extra olive oil if needed. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. This step builds the base flavor for your sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Add uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet. Stir to distribute evenly and ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese and Butter

Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

Add the seared chicken back to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta and sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb the sauce’s flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Notes

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight is a great example of how simple ingredients can yield luxurious results. For extra depth, consider using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded—it melts better and gives a richer flavor. You can also swap out the penne for fettuccine or rotini depending on what you have on hand. If your sauce thickens too much, just splash in a bit more cream or broth to loosen it up.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: This will make it dry and chewy. Cook just until golden and remove it before continuing with the sauce.
• Skipping the browning step: That golden sear adds a ton of flavor, so don’t rush it.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: These often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Letting the pasta overcook: Keep it al dente for best texture, especially since it continues to absorb sauce after cooking.
• Not stirring occasionally while simmering: This can cause the pasta to stick or burn at the bottom.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy consistency and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content separating when thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 155mg
• Sodium: 610mg
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just skip the searing step and add the chicken at the end to warm it through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat gently with added liquid.

What pasta types work best?

Penne holds the sauce well, but rotini, fusilli, or farfalle are great alternatives.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter option.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes along with the garlic or a touch of cayenne for heat.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

Use vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube as a backup.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely—broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms are excellent additions to the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at medium-low when adding dairy and avoid boiling after adding the cheese.

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Conclusion

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight is a creamy, crave-worthy meal that checks every box—easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With the convenience of a single pan and the rich, comforting taste of garlic and cheese, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation. Serve it up with a crisp salad or roasted veggies and call it a night well-fed.

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