If you have a craving for a comforting, creamy dinner that combines the best of hearty chicken and cheesy pasta, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe. It’s all about tender, juicy chicken pieces simmered directly in a luscious garlic-infused sauce with Parmesan and mozzarella melting into every bite of perfectly cooked pasta. This dish comes together quickly, making it the ultimate weeknight winner that feels fancy enough for company but cozy enough for any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this skillet recipe, it’ll become your go-to for a satisfying, cheesy, garlicky pasta experience that you simply won’t forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the fragrant garlic that provides a savory backbone to the rich Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses that create that irresistibly creamy texture and bold flavor. Even the pasta and chicken broth work together to make sure every bite is tender and perfectly saucy.
- Olive oil: A good base for sautéing the chicken, adding just the right fruity richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Diced for quick cooking and to absorb all those delicious garlicky seasonings evenly.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse the dish with aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
- Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the pasta from drying out and adds extra savoriness.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness, helping achieve that perfect sauce consistency.
- Penne or rotini pasta: These shapes are ideal to hold onto the cheesy sauce, making sure every bite is loaded with flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings in warmth and complexity without any fuss.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle heat that balances all the creamy richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and essential for that signature cheesy punch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give every forkful a dreamy, gooey quality.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. Cook until the chicken pieces turn golden brown and are cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. This step ensures that your chicken is perfectly cooked and has a nice sear, which adds fantastic texture and flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic
In the same skillet, don’t clean out the flavorful bits stuck at the bottom; instead, add the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute. You want to release the garlic’s aroma without letting it burn, which gives the dish that punch of fragrant garlic flavor that ties everything together.
Step 3: Simmer the pasta and sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Then add the uncooked pasta, along with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you like a little subtle heat. Bring everything up to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the pasta will soften as it absorbs the liquids, creating a luscious, creamy base for the dish.
Step 4: Combine chicken and cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to just the right level of creaminess, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and bubbly, coating every piece of pasta and chicken with cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a refreshing burst of color and herby flavor. Serve this delightful Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe immediately while it’s warm and gooey.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley is a must for this dish, adding vibrancy and a touch of freshness that cuts through the cheese richness. You can also sprinkle a small handful of extra Parmesan cheese on top or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to amplify the mild heat.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds a refreshing contrast in texture. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is another great option to scoop up every last bit of that creamy cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual cute ramekins or deep pasta bowls. Top each serving with a sprig of parsley and a light drizzle of good olive oil. You could even add some sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms on top to add more color and flavor layers that impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it to keep the creamy sauce from separating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture of the pasta, but the flavors will remain rich and delicious. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy consistency. It also reheats well in the microwave if you cover the dish to keep moisture locked in, heating in short increments and stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini are ideal for catching all that cheesy sauce, you can easily substitute with shells, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the pasta size and shape.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just be sure to check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. This makes the recipe accessible without losing any of the deliciousness.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
You sure can. Add diced rotisserie chicken during the cheese-melting step, reducing cooking time. Just ensure any pre-cooked chicken is well-seasoned to keep the dish flavorful.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To kick up the heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes, add a dash of cayenne pepper, or toss in some chopped jalapeños while sautéing the garlic. Just be mindful to balance the spice with the creamy sauce.
What can I substitute for Parmesan if I don’t have any on hand?
Pecorino Romano is a great substitute that offers a similar salty and sharp flavor. Grana Padano works well too. Avoid milder cheeses here as Parmesan is key to the signature taste in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough how this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe will find a special place in your recipe rotation. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, delivering comfort and flavor in one cozy skillet. Next time you want to impress family or just treat yourself to a satisfying meal, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
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: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal, combining tender chicken, garlic, and creamy cheeses with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy skillet dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir in the uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to a creamy consistency.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve the pasta warm.
Notes
- Use diced chicken breast to ensure quick and even cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a richer taste, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
- This recipe can be adapted with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
