Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta at the end of a long day. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and quick to prepare — everything a healthy dinner recipe should be. This dish has become a staple in kitchens looking for balance: high protein, comfort food taste, and nutrient-rich ingredients, all in one pan.

Beyond the indulgent flavor, this recipe also packs in nutritional benefits thanks to its wholesome components. Garlic, for instance, isn’t just for taste. It’s known for its powerful health properties, including antioxidants and immune-boosting effects. You can read more about the health benefits of garlic to understand why it’s worth using generously in your meals.

Another reason this recipe stands out is the method of preparation. Instead of just boiling pasta in water, we’re cooking it in chicken broth for extra depth and flavor. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection — and if you’re not familiar with how to do that correctly, this guide to searing chicken breast is an excellent resource for getting that golden crust without drying out the meat.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• One-pan meal – less mess, less cleanup
• Ready in just about 30 minutes
• Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavorful garlic sauce
• Great for weeknights, yet special enough for a date night
• Customizable – gluten-free, dairy-free, or veggie-loaded variations are easy to make
• Packs lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied or pounded to ½” thickness
• 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 8 oz penne pasta (regular, gluten-free, or high-protein pasta)
• 2 cups chicken broth (instead of water for flavor)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp oil (avocado or olive)
• ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced
• 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Tip: Use freshly grated parmesan, not the pre-shredded kind. It melts better and creates a smoother sauce.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Want

• Large stainless steel pan or skillet with lid
• Wooden spatula or silicone spoon
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Grater (fine holes) for cheese
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Step-by-Step

1. Season and Prep the Chicken

Butterfly or pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Pat dry with paper towels. Mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then rub it evenly over both sides of the chicken.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a large stainless steel pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken. Sear 3–5 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F. Remove from pan and let rest.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic

Lower heat slightly. Add more oil and butter. Add onions, cook 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

4. Deglaze and Add Pasta

Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up browned bits (flavor bombs!). Bring to a gentle boil. Stir in uncooked pasta, making sure it’s submerged.

5. Simmer Pasta

Cover and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and broth mostly absorbed.

6. Add Cream, Cheese, and Parsley

Turn off heat. Stir in cream, parmesan, and parsley. Mix until sauce is creamy and cheese fully melted.

7. Slice Chicken and Combine

Cut rested chicken into strips. Add back into pan and toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

• Garlic boosts immune health and reduces inflammation
• Chicken provides lean, high-quality protein
• Pasta offers energy from complex carbs
• Parmesan adds calcium and richness with less fat than other cheeses
• Cream delivers satisfying fat for fullness, but can be substituted

Nutrition (Per Serving – approx.)

• Calories: ~665
• Protein: ~41g
• Carbs: ~53g
• Fat: ~32g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Calcium: ~302mg

For a lighter version, use a smaller amount of cream or opt for a plant-based cream alternative.

Customize It to Your Needs

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use brown rice or chickpea-based pasta like those listed here
• Dairy-Free Version:
  • Swap heavy cream for plant-based cream
  • Use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast
• Add Veggies:
  • Stir in spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini
  • Toss in sun-dried tomatoes for tang and depth
• Spicy Twist:
  • Add red chili flakes or cayenne to the sauce

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted broccoli
• Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
• Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach

Pro Tips for Success

• Preheat your pan fully before adding chicken — the water drop “dance” test works great
• Don’t boil dairy — add cream and cheese off heat to avoid curdling
• Submerge the pasta fully in broth to ensure even cooking
• Fresh parmesan makes all the difference
• Use a lid when simmering to keep pasta moist

How to Store and Reheat

• Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate
• You can freeze this dish, but the cream may separate — it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, it holds up well for meal prep. Just don’t overcook the pasta initially, so it doesn’t get mushy.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

It’s not recommended. Milk won’t thicken like cream and may curdle.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s quite mild. Feel free to add chili flakes if you want heat.

Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Just skip the searing step and add the chicken at the end to heat through.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes! Fettuccine, shells, or rigatoni work well. Just adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly.

What makes this version “healthy”?

It uses simple, whole ingredients, balanced macros, and offers room for veggie additions. You can control sodium, fat, and carb levels depending on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hits all the right notes — creamy, garlicky, satisfying, and completely adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just trying to eat better without sacrificing flavor, this one-pan recipe delivers every time.