Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Looking for a dish that will swoop right in and save your weeknight dinner plans? The Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is a creamy, dreamy, one-pan wonder that’s bound to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy chicken mingling with golden garlic, twirling up with perfectly tender pasta, and hugged by a luscious layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s family-friendly, fast, and indulgently cheesy—all in 30 minutes. Trust me, you’ll want this skillet on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is the straightforward ingredient list—no fussy extras, just simple staples that each play a starring role in the final flavor fest. Every item here brings something special, from creaminess to savory depth, or a fresh pop of color.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up every drop of cheesy, garlicky goodness.
- Garlic powder: Delivers evenly distributed garlicky flavor in each bite.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the skillet with classic, comforting herby notes.
- Salt: Rounds out and enhances all the bright and bold flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite to balance the richness.
- Fresh garlic cloves: When sautéed, these make the aroma and taste totally irresistible.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish savory and moist without overwhelming with salt.
- Milk: Lends silky texture to the sauce for ultra-creamy results.
- Uncooked penne or rotini pasta: Starches cook right in the sauce, soaking up every layer of flavor as they go.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The namesake cheese brings saltiness and depth—don’t skimp!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection for that iconic cheese pull.
- Cream cheese (optional): Boosts the creaminess, making this skillet extra luxurious.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A finishing sprinkle that brings freshness and color to your skillet.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The sizzling oil is your secret to browned, juicy chicken bits. Toss in your chicken pieces and shower them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let them cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re gorgeously golden on the outside and cooked through inside. This step builds the flavor foundation for your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the freshly minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just a minute, enough for the kitchen to fill with that unbeatable garlic aroma, without letting it burn. This quick sauté unlocks a new level of savory flavor, building a crave-worthy base for the pasta to come.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Skillet
Time for the magic! Pour in your chicken broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta straight into the skillet—no need for a separate pot. Give it all a good stir and crank up the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat, pop on a lid, and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes. What happens now? The pasta soaks up all the creamy, chicken-and-garlic-infused liquid, making every bite irresistible.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Lift the lid and check that your pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Sprinkle in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese if you’re going for extra velvetiness. Stir until everything melts into a beautifully cheesy, luscious sauce—the signature moment of Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove your skillet from the heat and shower the top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot, gooey, and gloriously cheesy. No one will want to wait!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
The simplest way to elevate this dish is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it wakes up all the cheesy, savory flavors and adds that dinner-party finish. Another tasty touch is an extra scatter of grated Parmesan or a pinch of freshly cracked pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
This skillet is pretty much a meal on its own, but it plays wonderfully with a crisp green salad, some garlicky green beans, or warm, crusty bread for sopping up every bit of sauce. I love to serve it with roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus to keep things colorful and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopper look, dish the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet straight from the skillet right at the table—it’s rustic and cozy! Or scoop individual portions into wide, shallow bowls and top each with a little extra cheese and parsley. For family style, try pouring the entire skillet onto a pretty serving platter and surround it with roasted vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pop any leftover Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even richer as they mingle, making leftovers just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, portion it into airtight containers once completely cooled. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just note—the sauce may lose a bit of its creaminess after thawing, but a splash of milk when reheating brings it right back.
Reheating
Gently reheat the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave the leftovers in short bursts, stirring between each to heat evenly. Top with a bit more cheese and parsley if you like!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Short shapes like penne, rotini, or even rigatoni all work brilliantly. Just check the cooking time and add a splash more liquid if needed.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you want to skip the cream cheese, you can stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream for richness, or simply leave it out—the skillet will still turn out luscious and cheesy.
Is it possible to make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth for hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
This is a flexible dish—try stirring in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or even peas just before serving for a nutritious boost and extra color.
Can I use pre-cooked (rotisserie) chicken instead?
Definitely! Skip the searing step and add shredded rotisserie chicken right after sautéing the garlic. Then continue with the broth, milk, pasta, and the rest of the recipe for a super fast version.
Final Thoughts
Bubbling, cheesy, garlicky, and oh-so-comforting, the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is the kind of meal you’ll crave whenever you need a little bit of weeknight magic. I hope you give it a whirl—sharing moments like these is what makes home cooking so special. Let the skillet do the work, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet that’s quick and easy to make. This one-pan meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken and seasonings, cook until browned.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir in minced garlic, pour in chicken broth and milk, add pasta.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added veggies, stir in spinach or steamed broccoli at the end of cooking.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
