Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Easy 30-Minute Dinner
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and comforting dinner? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the answer! Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. If you love indulgent, creamy pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy Marry Me Pasta for another rich and comforting option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick, comforting, and indulgent meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home with minimal effort.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
Knowing the nutritional content of your meals helps you make balanced choices. This pasta dish provides a generous amount of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the pasta, and healthy fats from the creamy sauce, keeping you satisfied and energized.
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Time Breakdown
Time management is key to stress-free cooking. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, this creamy chicken pasta comes together in 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh, high-quality ingredients are essential for achieving the best flavor and texture. Tender chicken, aromatic garlic, rich Parmesan, and perfectly cooked pasta create a harmonious combination that’s both creamy and satisfying.
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Condensed Grocery Checklist
A concise grocery checklist ensures you have everything you need for a smooth cooking experience. From proteins and pasta to fresh herbs and seasonings, these essentials simplify your shopping and prep. Many of these ingredients are also perfect for making Butter Chicken Pasta—a rich and flavorful twist on creamy pasta.
✔ Pasta
✔ Chicken breasts
✔ Olive oil
✔ Garlic
✔ Heavy cream
✔ Parmesan cheese
✔ Chicken broth
✔ Italian seasoning
✔ Salt & pepper
✔ Fresh parsley
How to Make – Step by Step
Step-by-step instructions guide you through the cooking process with ease. From sautéing the chicken and making the creamy garlic-parmesan sauce to tossing it with pasta, each step ensures a delicious, foolproof result.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet and toss with the cooked pasta. Add Italian seasoning, adjust salt and pepper, and stir until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Flexibility makes this recipe adaptable to your taste and dietary needs. Swap proteins, add vegetables, or adjust the dairy components to make this dish your own while maintaining its creamy, flavorful essence.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different protein option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation and pairing can truly elevate this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Serve it alongside warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or chopped parsley on top just before serving, and consider pairing it with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a complete, restaurant-style experience. For another comforting pasta option, check out my Mac and Cheese recipe!
Storing Tips
Proper storage helps maintain the texture and flavor of your creamy chicken pasta. These tips show how to keep leftovers fresh and creamy for easy reheating without compromising taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the sauce may change.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small techniques make a big difference in flavor and presentation. From using freshly grated Parmesan to perfectly cooking chicken and pasta, these tips ensure your dish is indulgent, creamy, and restaurant-worthy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; slightly undercook it as it will absorb the sauce.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick, indulgent, and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy nights or special weeknight meals. With a rich garlic-parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s comfort food made easy.