Amazing One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Welcome to your kitchen, where tonight’s dinner is about to become your new favorite obsession. I’m so excited to share a recipe that truly answers the age-old question, “What will I cook tonight?” with a resounding “This!” I’ve crafted the most incredible, creamy, and utterly satisfying One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Pasta that comes together in under 45 minutes. Get ready for a weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours on it.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

I know how precious your time is, especially on busy weeknights. That’s why I poured my heart into making this Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe not just delicious, but incredibly practical. If you’re looking for other quick and easy chicken recipes for busy evenings, I have plenty of ideas! I truly believe it’s the best for home cooks like you because it checks all the boxes for a stress-free meal.

• Effortless One-Pan Cleanup: The absolute best part? Everything, from searing the chicken to simmering the pasta, happens in a single pan. This means less scrubbing and more time enjoying your evening.
• Creamy, Dreamy Flavor: I promise you a rich, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken. It’s savory, cheesy, and deeply comforting, making it an instant family favorite.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need any fancy ingredients for this dish. I use pantry staples and fresh components that are easy to find, making your grocery run quick and simple.
• Ready in Under 45 Minutes: From start to finish, this meal is designed to be on your table quickly. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something homemade and delicious without the long wait.

Gathering Your Ingredients for One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Having all your ingredients ready before you start cooking makes the entire process so much smoother. I’ve carefully selected each component to ensure maximum flavor and ease for this incredible Parmesan Chicken Pasta. From the seasoned chicken to the rich, creamy sauce, every item plays a crucial role in creating a truly memorable meal.

For the Seasoned 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)

For the Creamy Pasta:

• 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ jumbo yellow onion (diced (1 cup))
• 4-6 large cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 oz dry penne pasta ((normal, gluten free or protein pasta))
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (*)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step

This is where the magic happens! I’ve broken down this delicious Parmesan Chicken Pasta into clear, simple steps that will guide you to a perfect meal, even if you’re a beginner. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, so take your time and have fun!

1. In a small bowl, mix together the italian seasoning, paprika, salt & pepper. Pat the chicken dry and then rub both sides with the seasoning mixture. Drying the chicken ensures a beautiful sear.
2. Bring a large pan to medium heat. Once hot, add avocado oil. Then, add seasoned chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165F. You’re looking for a lovely golden crust here. Remove chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Resting the chicken keeps it juicy and tender.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add more avocado oil and butter. Then, add onion and season it with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until beginning to get tender and translucent. Add garlic, stir, and cook for 1 minute longer, until it’s wonderfully fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are full of flavor, so don’t leave them behind! Allow the broth to come to a light boil. Then, add the dry pasta and stir to make sure that the pasta is submerged in the broth.
5. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is al-dente. Check a piece to ensure it’s perfectly cooked, still having a slight bite.
6. Turn off the heat and add in the parmesan, heavy cream and parsley. Stir until the parmesan is melted and the sauce is warm and thickened slightly. The sauce should cling beautifully to the pasta. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it into the pan along with the pasta. Toss to combine. Then, serve & enjoy!

Maya’s Expert Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chicken Pasta

I love sharing my little secrets that make a big difference in a recipe, and this Parmesan Chicken Pasta is no exception. These tips come from my own kitchen adventures and will help you achieve absolutely perfect results every time.

Achieving Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time:

The chicken is a star in this dish, and getting it right is key. I always make sure to pat my chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning; this promotes a beautiful sear and a golden-brown crust. If your chicken breasts are very thick, I recommend butterflying them or pounding them down to about ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly, preventing dry, overcooked chicken. For more tips on achieving truly melt-in-your-mouth chicken breast, consider trying another one of my recipes. Always remove the chicken from the pan once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.

The Secret to a Smooth, Creamy Sauce:

A perfectly creamy sauce is the heart of this Parmesan Chicken Pasta. To prevent the heavy cream from curdling, make sure you add it after you’ve turned off the heat. Also, adding the Parmesan cheese off the heat and stirring it in gradually helps it melt smoothly without clumping. If you find your sauce is too thin, you can gently simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken it. If it’s too thick, a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream will loosen it up beautifully.

The Power of Freshly Grated Parmesan:

I cannot stress this enough: freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a world of difference. Pre-shredded or pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, sometimes leading to a grainy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into a luxuriously smooth, velvety sauce that is far more flavorful and has a superior texture. It’s a small extra step that truly elevates your Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Customizing Your Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Beyond the Basics

I love how versatile this Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is! It’s delicious as is, but it also serves as a fantastic base for all sorts of creative additions. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it truly your own, perhaps even exploring other delicious chicken casserole ideas.

Customization Category	Ideas for Your Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Chicken Variations	Instead of chicken breast, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal, just shred and stir it in at the end. For a different texture, try ground chicken or turkey, cooked and crumbled with the onions.
Veggie Boosters & Flavor Enhancers	Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy addition. Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, letting it wilt into the sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) or roasted red peppers (sliced) add a wonderful pop of color and tangy flavor. A swirl of pesto at the end can elevate the herbaceous notes.
Other Cheese Options	While Parmesan is classic, you can experiment with other hard Italian cheeses. Asiago offers a nuttier, slightly sharper flavor, while Pecorino Romano will give you a saltier, more pungent kick. A blend of Parmesan and mozzarella could also create an even gooier, stretchy texture.

What to Serve with Your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A fantastic meal is about more than just the main dish; it’s about the whole experience! While my creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is incredibly satisfying on its own, I love pairing it with a few simple sides to round out the meal.

For a fresh contrast, I often serve a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing beautifully cuts through the richness of the pasta. If you’re looking for something warm and comforting, a basket of warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks is always a hit for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce. Steamed asparagus or green beans, lightly seasoned, also add a lovely pop of color and a touch of freshness.

A complete menu idea for a cozy weeknight would be this Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a simple side salad with a lemon-herb dressing, and a crusty baguette. Simple, elegant, and utterly delicious!

Storing and Reheating Parmesan Chicken Pasta

I find that this Parmesan Chicken Pasta is so good, you might not have many leftovers! But if you do, I want to make sure you know how to properly store and reheat it so you can enjoy every last bite.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, I recommend doing so gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a tablespoon of heavy cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, but the stovetop method really helps maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

For meal prep, you can cook the chicken and make the seasoning mixture ahead of time. Store the seasoned chicken in the fridge for up to a day, and chop your onion and mince your garlic. This makes the cooking process even faster on the night you plan to eat this delicious Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Chicken Pasta

I get a lot of questions about how to perfect recipes or adapt them for different needs, and I’m always happy to help! Here are some common questions I hear about this creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free penne pasta; I’ve found many excellent options that hold up well in creamy sauces. For dairy-free, you can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (be aware it will impart a subtle coconut flavor) or a plant-based cooking cream. For the Parmesan, look for dairy-free grated Parmesan alternatives available in most grocery stores.

What Are the Best Pasta Shapes to Use?

I chose penne for this recipe because its ridges and hollow center are perfect for catching and holding onto that luscious, creamy sauce. However, other short, sturdy pasta shapes work wonderfully too! Think rigatoni, rotini, or even ziti. Their nooks and crannies are ideal for scooping up the sauce and tender chicken.

What Kind of Pan Should I Use?

For a true one-pan experience, I recommend using a large, deep skillet with a lid, preferably cast iron or a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan. A Dutch oven also works beautifully. The key is to have enough surface area to sear the chicken and sufficient depth to hold all the pasta and sauce comfortably, allowing everything to cook evenly.

Can I Prepare Components Ahead of Time?

Yes, absolutely! To make dinner even faster, I often prep the chicken by butterflying it and mixing the seasoning ahead of time. You can also dice your onion and mince your garlic earlier in the day and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, when it’s time to cook, you just need to grab your prepped ingredients and start assembling.

What Wine Pairs Well with This Dish?

For a creamy, cheesy dish like Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I love a crisp white wine. A unoaked Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio would be excellent choices, as their brightness and acidity will cut through the richness of the sauce beautifully. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir could also work.

How Can I Make This More Kid-Friendly?

To make this Parmesan Chicken Pasta a hit with the little ones, you can adjust the seasoning on the chicken to be a bit milder. Sometimes I use fun pasta shapes like rotini or shells, which kids often love. If your children are particular about textures, you could also dice the cooked chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces before mixing it into the pasta.

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I truly hope you’re feeling inspired and excited to try this One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s one of my absolute favorites, and I know it will bring so much comfort and joy to your kitchen. I crafted this dish to make your weeknights easier and your meals more delicious, all while keeping that wonderful homemade flavor alive. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into a simple yet satisfying dinner tonight.

I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment below with any questions, or better yet, share your cooking results and any personal twists you tried. Happy cooking!