This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight is everything you crave after a long day. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness all cooked in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. The tender chicken bites are seared to perfection, then folded into a luscious parmesan garlic sauce that hugs each strand of pasta just right.

It’s a comfort meal made simple, bringing restaurant-level taste to your dinner table without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want to impress guests with ease, this dish delivers the kind of warmth and satisfaction that only a hearty bowl of pasta can bring.

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

The simplicity alone is enough to win hearts. One pan means fewer dishes, faster prep, and easy cleanup. But the flavor is where it truly shines: rich garlic butter, sharp parmesan, and juicy chicken create a savory trio that feels like a warm hug. Plus, the sauce thickens beautifully as it simmers with the pasta, locking in flavor with every bite.

It’s versatile too. You can add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for a veggie twist, or keep it as-is for a pure, cheesy experience.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well for this dish. Breasts offer a leaner bite, while thighs add a bit more richness. Cut them into bite-sized chunks for quick cooking and flavor absorption. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a smart shortcut that still tastes amazing.

Ingredients for the One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

The beauty of this dish lies in how a few pantry staples come together to make something special. You likely have most of these on hand already:

Chicken breast
Essential for the base protein, diced for even cooking and juicy bites.

Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Choose a pasta that holds sauce well. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all make a great fit.

Garlic cloves
Fresh garlic sautéed in butter builds the savory foundation of the sauce.

Butter
Adds richness and depth, perfect for sautéing the garlic and chicken.

Chicken broth
Infuses the pasta as it cooks with seasoned flavor.

Heavy cream
For a creamy, luscious texture that binds everything together.

Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated if possible. It’s the hero of this dish and delivers that salty, nutty edge.

Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken and prevent sticking.

Salt and black pepper
A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor.

Parsley (optional)
Adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.

How To Make the One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add more butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Don’t let it brown too much.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, then add the dry pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in liquid. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Stir

Reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra broth or cream if needed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken

Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together until coated and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more parmesan before serving if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Delight

This dish is best served hot straight from the skillet, when the sauce is at its creamiest. It feeds 4 to 5 people comfortably, especially if paired with a light side salad or roasted veggies.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm it slowly over the stove or in the microwave. This keeps the sauce from getting too thick or clumpy.

What to Serve With One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight?

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with buttery garlic bread to soak up all that extra sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight crunch and roasted flavor of broccoli balance out the richness of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a fresh contrast.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Their natural bitterness and sweet glaze complement the cheesy pasta.

Grilled Asparagus

Light, snappy, and perfect with lemon for a bright finish.

Caprese Skewers

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil on a stick. A cool, refreshing side that’s visually appealing.

Lemon Herb Zucchini

Quick sautéed zucchini with lemon zest adds a burst of citrus.

Classic Antipasto Platter

If you’re going Italian, a small plate of olives, cured meats, and cheeses starts the meal right.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight, you’ll adore these comforting pasta creations too:

Tuscan Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you’re craving something heartier.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for another one-skillet dinner.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a high-protein twist.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta if you love tangy, savory blends.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when you need a satisfying one-pan meal.

Let me know how it turned out for you. Did you use penne or fettuccine? Any fun add-ins like spinach or mushrooms? I’d love to hear how you made it yours.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and weeknight dinner saviors on Janet Dishes on Pinterest for more inspiring bites.

Conclusion

This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight brings everything you want in a dinner: creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying. It’s easy enough for busy evenings yet elegant enough for company. One pan, one meal, and a whole lot of love in every forkful.