Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!)

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If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and creamy dinner, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the answer. It comes together in just 30 minutes and brings together tender chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this pasta countless times for family dinners, and it’s always the first dish to disappear. The sauce is thick, creamy, and packed with garlic and parmesan flavor. The chicken adds protein and a savory bite, while the pasta soaks up every drop of the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small chunks)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Add Cheese and Chicken

Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

5. Combine with Pasta

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it up.

6. Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if you like. Serve hot.

Cooking Tips

• Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente holds up better in the creamy sauce.
• Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli if you want to bulk it up.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a comfort food staple you’ll come back to week after week. It’s quick enough for busy nights but tasty enough to impress guests. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to pasta dinner.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe)

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and creamy dinner, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the answer. Tender chicken, a rich parmesan-garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in 30 minutes for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 720 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small chunks
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
• Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
• Start the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds.
• Simmer: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer 4–5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
• Add cheese & chicken: Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer 2 minutes.
• Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until coated. If needed, loosen with a splash of pasta water or broth.
• Serve: Garnish with parsley (and extra parmesan). Serve hot.

Notes

Tips: Use freshly grated parmesan for a silkier sauce; cook pasta al dente so it holds up. Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli during the last few minutes. For a lighter version, swap part of the cream with milk and add a bit of cream cheese for body. To make it gluten-free, use GF pasta.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Keyword 30 minute dinners, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight pasta, garlic parmesan chicken pasta, one pan pasta

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