Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

There’s something irresistible about a skillet of bubbling cheese, tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta all melded together into one cohesive dish. The Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet brings together all of these comforts into a single, crowd-pleasing meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare.

🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Skillet Meal – Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.

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• Creamy and Cheesy – The sauce is packed with garlic, Parmesan, and gooey cheese.

• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will devour it.

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• Customizable – Add veggies or swap in your favorite cheese or pasta.

• Ready in Under 45 Minutes – Fast enough for busy weeknights.

🔪 Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10–15 minutes

• Cook time: 25–30 minutes

• Total time: 35–45 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

3. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Make the Roux

1. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter.

2. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.

3. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add Milk, Cream, and Cheese

1. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

2. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, or until it starts to thicken.

3. Stir in the grated Parmesan and half the mozzarella. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

4. Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, reduce the heat to low.

Step 4: Add the Pasta and Simmer

1. Pour in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth (or water). Stir to combine.

2. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and reduce heat to medium-low.

4. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Finish with Cheese

1. Once pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet.

2. Add spinach or other add-ins (if using). Stir to combine and wilt.

3. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

4. Cover again for 2–3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for color and freshness.

2. Serve hot with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted veggies.

🧂 Seasoning & Cheese Variations

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your taste or ingredients on hand:

Cheese Options

• Use Gruyère for a nutty twist.

• Provolone or Fontina for meltability.

• Cream cheese (2 oz) for extra creaminess.

Seasoning Variations

• Add thyme or rosemary for earthiness.

• Use smoked paprika for depth.

• Try lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy note.

🥦 Add-Ins and Customization Ideas

• Veggie Boost: Add 1 cup chopped spinach, kale, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the pasta.

• Protein Swap: Use cooked sausage, shrimp, or leftover rotisserie chicken.

• Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne, or extra red pepper flakes.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Great Pairings

• Garlic bread or cheesy toast

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted asparagus or green beans

• Sauteed mushrooms

• Glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

For a Complete Meal

Serve with a soup starter (e.g., tomato basil or creamy broccoli), and finish with a light dessert like lemon bars or fruit sorbet to cut through the richness.

🔁 Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezer

• Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight and reheat as above.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, but reduce the broth to 1 cup and skip the pasta simmer step. Stir in cooked pasta and simmer gently to warm through.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, farfalle, or shells are ideal because they hold the sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble up to the cheese-topping step, refrigerate, and bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes to reheat and melt cheese.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch in the roux.

📝 Recipe Recap (Quick Version)

1. Cook chicken in a skillet with seasoning.

2. Sauté garlic, make a roux with butter and flour.

3. Add milk, cream, and cheeses to make sauce.

4. Stir in uncooked pasta and broth; simmer until pasta is tender.

5. Return chicken, add more cheese and veggies if desired.

6. Melt cheese, garnish, and serve.

🌟 Final Thoughts

The Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is everything a comforting meal should be—creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and packed with protein. It comes together quickly in one pan, saving you time and dishes while delivering serious flavor. With customizable ingredients and flexible add-ins, you can tweak it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have in the fridge.