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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, comforting dish loaded with tender seasoned chicken, al-dente pasta, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s cooked all in one pan, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is easy enough to make anytime.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 665 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls (small and medium)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp italian seasoning
  • salt & pepper
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • ½ tsp paprika

Pasta

  • ½ chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 8 oz dry penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 large cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Pat the chicken dry and rub the seasoning onto both sides.
  • Heat a large pan over medium heat, then add avocado oil.
  • Sear the seasoned chicken for 3–5 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F internally, then remove and set aside to rest.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, add a bit more avocado oil and butter, then stir in chopped onion with a pinch of salt.
  • Sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent, add garlic, and cook for one more minute.
  • Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Once the broth comes to a light boil, stir in the dry pasta and ensure it's fully submerged an cook for 10 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and add Parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley.
  • Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, then taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Slice the rested chicken into strips, return it to the pan, toss everything to combine, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Short pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold sauce well and cook evenly in one-pan methods.
  • Scraping up the browned bits adds deep flavor to the sauce—don’t skip this step.