Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s both incredibly delicious and wonderfully simple to prepare? This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is your ultimate comfort food solution! Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, all prepared in a single skillet with minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that combines convenience with gourmet flavor.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 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
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Metric Measurements
- 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 30ml olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 480ml chicken broth
- 240ml heavy cream
- 170g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 225g penne pasta
- 5g Italian seasoning
- 2g paprika
- 2g garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside
- Create the Base:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic
- Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn)
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream
- Add Italian seasoning and stir to combine
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add penne pasta to the skillet
- Bring to a simmer
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Ensure pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed
- Final Assembly:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top
- Cover and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes
- If desired, place under broiler for 1-2 minutes for a golden, crispy top
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 580-620
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 720mg
Cooking Time:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 20-25 minutes
- Total: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Pro Cooking Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking
- Reserve some pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternative
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
- Additional Vegetables: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Rotini, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta work great in this recipe.
Q2: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy? Cook pasta just until al dente and avoid overcooking. Check package instructions for precise timing.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Best served fresh, but you can refrigerate for 1-2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Q4: What can I serve with this pasta? Garlic bread, side salad, roasted vegetables, or a light Caesar salad complement this dish perfectly.
Q5: How can I make this dish more budget-friendly? Use less expensive cheese blends, buy chicken on sale, and watch for pasta discounts.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days
- Reheating: Warm in skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth
- Freezing: Not recommended due to cream-based sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet – a meal that promises flavor, comfort, and simplicity in every bite!