Creamy, cheesy, garlicky – this one-skillet chicken pasta is a weeknight dinner winner! Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are smothered in a rich Parmesan and mozzarella cheese sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a skillet with a lid.
Step 2: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 5: Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the bottom, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.
Step 6: Bring to a simmer and add uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Step 7: Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 12–15 minutes). Check the pasta’s doneness regularly and adjust cooking time as needed.
Step 8: Stir in mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. The sauce should be thick and luscious.
Step 9: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the cheesy sauce.
Step 10: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks in a single skillet.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food: Cheesy, creamy, and satisfying.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite pasta, vegetables, and cheeses.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
- Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the broth and cream.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 750mg
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is a guaranteed winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats every strand of pasta and piece of chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable meal!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Penne is a great choice, but you can easily substitute it with other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bowties), or even elbow macaroni. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may cook slightly faster or slower.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components in advance. For example, you can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and even season it ahead of time. You can also grate the cheeses. However, I recommend cooking the pasta and making the sauce just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and the sauce from separating.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the pasta and cheese sauce can change texture and become watery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers within 2-3 days.
Q4: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A4: Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a creamier sauce with milk, you might consider adding a tablespoon of flour mixed with a little cold water to the sauce while it simmers to help thicken it.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some good options include spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables with the garlic before adding the chicken broth and cream.
