If you’re anything like me, the phrase “weeknight dinner” can stir up more dread than excitement. Between juggling work, laundry, and feeding the dogs (who eat better than I do some days), getting a healthy, satisfying dinner on the table fast feels like an Olympic sport. That’s where this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe swoops in to save the day—creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor without the guilt.
This dish is for every busy woman out there craving something hearty yet healthy, rich but clean, and most importantly, easy enough to pull off without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re diving into clean eating, hunting for protein meals for women, or need some easy healthy hearty meals to rotate into your week, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- It fits perfectly into your lineup of healthy meal prep recipes. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got lunches that actually taste good through Wednesday.
- It’s one of those easy meals to meal prep that doesn’t get boring (looking at you, plain grilled chicken).
- Uses low oil and high-protein ingredients for clean, balanced nourishment.
- Creamy sauce without drowning in butter or guilt—yes, please!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast — for lean protein
- Avocado oil or olive oil — for a light sear without excess fat
- Italian seasoning, paprika, salt & pepper — simple pantry flavors with big payoff
For the Pasta:
- Onion and garlic — the holy duo for flavor building
- Dry penne pasta (normal, gluten-free, or protein pasta) — your call
- Chicken broth — infuses the pasta with savory depth
- Parmesan cheese — creamy, salty, just divine
- Heavy cream — adds richness without going overboard
- Fresh parsley — for a bright, herby finish
(Full measurements below in the recipe card)
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
- Season & Sear the Chicken
Mix your seasoning blend and coat the chicken breasts evenly. In a hot pan with a little avocado oil, sear them for 3-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside to rest—they deserve it. - Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add a touch more oil and a bit of butter. Sauté your onions until soft, then toss in garlic until fragrant (just a minute!). - Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape all those glorious browned bits off the bottom. Stir in the dry pasta and cover. Let it cook until al dente—10 minutes or so. - Finish the Sauce
Turn off the heat. Stir in parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley. It should get creamy, warm, and slightly thick. Taste and adjust seasoning. - Bring It Together
Slice the chicken into strips and toss it back into the pan. Mix it all up, plate, and boom—you’re done!
Nova’s Kitchen Notes
I first whipped this up on a Sunday night after realizing I had too many random ingredients and not a lot of patience. It was love at first bite. Now, it’s part of my rotation of chicken recipes protein-packed enough for my husband, but light enough for me not to feel weighed down. It’s also one of my go-to clean eating pasta recipes when I want comfort without compromise.
Quick Tips & Tricks
- Chicken Tip: Butterfly or pound it evenly to cook faster and juicier.
- Pasta Hack: If using protein pasta, keep an eye on cook time—it can go from perfect to mush real fast.
- Dairy Swap: You can sub half-and-half for heavy cream if you’re watching calories.
- Storage: Keeps great in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat with a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream?
Yes! Try Greek yogurt or unsweetened almond milk with a cornstarch slurry if you’re keeping it lighter.
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne holds the sauce well, but fusilli or rotini work too. Want to stay on track with easy chicken protein meals? Opt for chickpea or lentil-based pasta.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. This is one of those easy healthy hearty meals that tastes just as good the next day—if not better.
So if you’re ready to take your protein chicken recipes healthy and delicious, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is just what your weeknight needs. It’s not just dinner; it’s a little creamy bowl of joy with every forkful.
Print
Creamy, Clean, and Crave-Worthy: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect healthy comfort food. Quick, easy, and packed with protein, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast – for lean protein
1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil – to sear the chicken
1 tbsp Italian seasoning – adds herby, savory flavor
½ tsp paprika – for warmth and color
Salt and pepper – to taste
1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil – for the sauté
1 tbsp unsalted butter – adds a rich base
½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) – builds the flavor
4–6 large garlic cloves, minced – adds aromatic depth
8 oz dry penne pasta – use regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta
2 cups chicken broth – deglazes and cooks the pasta
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – for the creamy sauce
½ cup heavy cream – makes it rich and smooth
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – bright finish
Instructions
1. Mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub over chicken breasts.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–5 min per side until 165°F. Set aside.
3. Add 1 tbsp oil and butter to the pan. Sauté onion with a pinch of salt for 3 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
5. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping up brown bits.
6. Add pasta, stir, cover, and cook 10 minutes or until al dente.
7. Turn off heat. Stir in Parmesan, cream, and parsley until melted and creamy.
8. Slice cooked chicken and mix into the pasta. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For lower fat, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of cream.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or cream to refresh texture.
Use chickpea or lentil pasta to boost protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, Protein Chicken Recipes Healthy, Healthy Meal Prep Recipes, Clean Eating Pasta Recipes, Easy Chicken Protein Meals, Low Oil Recipes