Prepare to fall in love with your new weeknight hero: Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet. This one-pan wonder is packed with juicy chicken, a double hit of cheese, and a garlicky, creamy sauce that lovingly hugs every bite of pasta. You won’t believe you can build this much flavor with such a short ingredient list — it’s hearty, indulgent, and honestly perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or craving some serious comfort food, this skillet is destined to become a go-to dinner you’ll look forward to making (and eating!) again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday kitchen staples come together to create such a rich, flavorful meal. Each ingredient earns its place here — from the golden seared chicken to the melt-in-your-mouth cheesy sauce, there are no fillers, only building blocks for greatness!
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing your chicken, giving it a beautiful golden crust and depth of flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up every bit of that garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a punch of flavor to the chicken right from the start and infuses every bite.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings out the warm, savory notes in the sauce.
- Salt: This essential seasoning enhances every flavor in the skillet.
- Black pepper: Just a touch elevates and balances all the savory elements.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced garlic ramps up the aroma and gives the dish its signature garlicky kick.
- Chicken broth: Adds richness and depth, turning the sauce into something truly crave-worthy.
- Milk: Combines with broth to create a creamy base without being too heavy.
- Penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold the sauce perfectly, making every bite deliciously cheesy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, and nutty, Parmesan is the star of the cheese duo.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that stretchy, gooey, irresistible cheese pull.
- Butter: A final swirl of butter makes everything extra silky and flavorful.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green for freshness and irresistible color contrast.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a generously sized skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken breast pieces, then sprinkle them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brown the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so every piece picks up lovely color and develops deep flavor. This first step is the backbone of your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet — getting that golden sear makes all the difference!
Step 2: Bring on the Garlic
After your chicken is beautifully cooked through and golden, toss in the fresh minced garlic. Give it just about a minute with the chicken, stirring constantly — that way, you’ll smell the savory aroma bloom as the garlic gently toasts, infusing the oil and meat with bold, irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Now, pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (hello, extra flavor!). Add your uncooked penne or rotini next. Stir to combine everything, bring it up to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, giving it a stir every so often. The pasta will soak up all those beautiful flavors while becoming perfectly tender.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy and Creamy
When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is gone, it’s time for the magic moment! Stir in the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and a couple tablespoons of butter. Keep stirring until everything melts together and the sauce turns thick, creamy, and oh-so-luscious. Every noodle and every bite of chicken will be wrapped in cheesy, garlicky goodness — this is where the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet truly shines!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and, if you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for bright color and a hint of earthiness. Serve your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet straight from the pan, steaming and delicious. There’s nothing cozier or more inviting than that rustic, bubbling skillet coming to the table!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
A little thoughtfully chosen garnish goes a long way! Freshly chopped parsley is a classic for its pop of color and subtle, earthy freshness. Or try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for more savory depth. A crack of black pepper or even some toasted breadcrumbs adds a lovely finishing touch if you want a bit of crunch with your creamy bites.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve your skillet with a crisp, green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette — the freshness balances the rich, cheesy sauce beautifully. Warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for mopping up every drop of that creamy goodness. For a heartier feast, some simple roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by baking the finished skillet with a handful of extra mozzarella, broiling for a few minutes until bubbly and golden. Or, spoon the pasta into little ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party — it feels extra special and lets everyone dig into their own personal cheesy masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken a bit as it chills, but a splash of milk when reheating will restore its creamy texture in no time.
Freezing
This skillet is freezer-friendly, too! Let your pasta cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, and make sure to stir in a little extra milk or broth when reheating to bring back that irresistible creaminess.
Reheating
For the tastiest reheating, pop leftovers into a skillet with a splash of milk and gently warm over low heat, stirring often. This keeps the pasta from drying out and brings the cheese sauce back to its silky glory. The microwave also works in a pinch, just stir frequently and watch that it doesn’t overheat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving — any short pasta shape like fusilli, rigatoni, or even shells works beautifully. Just check the cooking time on your chosen pasta, as you may need to adjust slightly.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are wonderful in this dish, too. They stay juicy and flavorful, adding a little extra richness to the sauce. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as written.
How do I make this vegetarian?
To enjoy a meatless version, simply leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for heartiness and color — you’ll still get all that amazing cheesy, garlicky flavor.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try tossing in a handful of baby spinach, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes before adding the cheeses. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also brings out a gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
Can I make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the chicken and cheese ahead or even make the full dish, cool it, and reheat before serving. Just remember to add a splash of extra broth or milk to refresh the sauce to its creamiest state.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of magic in a skillet meal that tastes like comfort in every bite, and the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet absolutely delivers on all fronts. If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing, and big-flavor dinner that doesn’t make a mess of your kitchen, you can stop right here. Give it a try — and get ready to watch this dish become an instant staple in your home!
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Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce flavored with garlic and herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta:
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden.
- Create Sauce: Add minced garlic, then pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir in uncooked pasta, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 12–15 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and butter until melted and creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before incorporating the cheese.
- This recipe is versatile and can be made with various short pasta shapes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
