1-First Step: Season the Chicken Start by combining 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Pat 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast dry with a paper towel this helps the seasoning stick better. Rub the mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken, which has been butterflied or pounded to ½ inch thickness. This step builds flavor right into the meat, making your creamy garlic chicken pasta extra tasty. For a low-calorie twist, use a leaner cut if available, but keep an eye on cooking times to avoid drying it out.

2-Second Step: Cook the Chicken Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil wait until it shimmers to ensure it’s hot enough for a good sear. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest; this juicy chicken will add protein-packed goodness to your garlic Parmesan pasta. If you’re making a vegan version, swap in tofu and sear it similarly, adjusting the time to about 2-3 minutes per side to prevent it from becoming too firm.

3-Third Step: Sauté the Aromatics Reduce the heat to medium-low and add another 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil along with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the same pan. Toss in ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup), and a pinch of salt, then sauté for 3 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Next, add 4 to 6 large cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to release those amazing aromas without burning them. This step creates the flavorful base for your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, and for gluten-free adaptations, ensure your broth is certified gluten-free to keep things on track.

4-Fourth Step: Deglaze and Cook the Pasta Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan this deglazing adds depth to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a light boil over medium heat, then add 8 ounces of dry penne pasta, stirring to submerge it fully. Cover the pan and let it cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a bit of bite. If you’re using gluten-free pasta, check the package for exact timing as it might cook faster, ensuring your creamy garlic chicken pasta stays perfectly textured. Here, try our sweet dessert recipes for a fun follow-up meal.

5-Fifth Step: Finish the Sauce Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts smoothly this should take about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan here to maintain that creamy consistency without the traditional ingredients. This step is crucial for achieving the signature creaminess in your garlic Parmesan pasta.

6-Sixth Step: Combine and Serve Slice the rested chicken into strips and add it back to the pan, tossing everything together with the pasta for even coating. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with extra parsley if you like. The total time for this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is about 35 minutes, with 5 minutes prep and 30 minutes cooking, making it a quick win for busy schedules. For low-calorie versions, reduce the cream slightly and add more veggies to lighten it up without losing that comforting feel.