Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet

A Creamy, Cheesy Dream in One Pan

If you’re hunting for the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and downright irresistible, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet. It’s got tender bites of juicy chicken, creamy garlic-infused sauce, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—all brought together in one glorious skillet. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  One-Skillet Wonder

Nobody likes a sink full of dishes, and this dish saves you the cleanup. Everything—chicken, pasta, sauce—cooks up in just one pan.

  Packed With Flavor

Garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and cheesy goodness all blend to create a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.

  Quick and Easy

This meal comes together in under 40 minutes. Perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so drool-worthy:

  Protein & Fats

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup heavy cream

  Aromatics & Spices

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

  Cheeses

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  Base & Liquids

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)

  Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

  Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes).

4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  Step 2: Build the Flavor

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic.

2. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).

3. Add Italian seasoning and stir to combine.

  Step 3: Add the Liquid Base

1. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

2. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

  Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

1. Add the uncooked pasta straight into the skillet.

2. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce.

3. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

4. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

  Step 5: Make It Cheesy

1. Once the pasta is tender, reduce heat to low.

2. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

3. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

4. Mix everything together until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through.

  Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

• Optional: Add a dash of extra Parmesan on top for that golden finish.

Tips for the Perfect Skillet Pasta

  Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Since the chicken will be reheated in the final steps, cook it until it’s just done during the first sauté. This keeps it juicy and tender.

  Choose the Right Pasta

Penne works beautifully because it holds sauce well, but feel free to use rotini, fusilli, or even shells.

  Stir Occasionally

Stirring ensures the pasta doesn’t stick to the pan and that every piece gets coated in that luscious sauce.

Variations You Can Try

  Add Veggies

• Toss in spinach, broccoli florets, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

• Add veggies when you add the garlic for even cooking.

  Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne during the garlic step.

  Make It Extra Creamy

Add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash more cream to make the sauce even richer.

What to Serve With It

  Bread Lovers Rejoice

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make the perfect pairing to mop up the extra sauce.

  Add a Fresh Side

• Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  Fridge Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  Reheat Like a Pro

• Warm on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.

  Freezing? Not Ideal

• Due to the dairy content, freezing isn’t recommended as it may separate or become grainy when reheated.

Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 600–700

• Protein: 40g

• Fat: 30g

• Carbs: 45g

• Fiber: 2g

Note: Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Make It a Crowd Favorite

Want to impress guests or cook for a potluck? Double the recipe and use a large Dutch oven or deep skillet. This dish holds its texture and flavor well even when made in bigger batches.

Pro Kitchen Hacks

  Grate Your Own Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating fresh cheese makes your sauce creamier.

  Use Low-Sodium Broth

This gives you more control over the salt content without sacrificing flavor.

The Comfort Food You’ll Crave Weekly

This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is the stuff weeknight dinner dreams are made of. It’s comforting, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying without being overly complicated. It’s a perfect blend of texture, flavor, and convenience that makes it ideal for families, singles, or anyone who wants a solid recipe in their weekly rotation.

Conclusion

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet proves just that. With a simple ingredient list, minimal cleanup, and big flavors, it checks all the boxes for a successful weeknight dinner. Whether you stick to the original recipe or throw in your own twist, one thing’s for sure—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Yes! Just skip the sautéing step and add shredded rotisserie chicken when you stir in the cheese.

Q2: What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

You can try sharp cheddar, provolone, or even Gruyère for different flavor profiles.

Q3: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Adding a tablespoon of flour can help with consistency if using milk.

Q4: How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your chicken broth and cheeses are certified gluten-free.

Q5: Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s cheesy, creamy, and full of familiar flavors that kids typically love.

Print