Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!)

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, satisfying dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish transforms simple weeknight ingredients into a meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for busy families or anyone craving restaurant-quality pasta without the effort or extra dishes.

Why This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Shines

What sets this recipe apart is its melt-in-your-mouth sauce—the combination of aromatic garlic, creamy Parmesan, and juicy chicken yields a comforting pasta dinner that hits all the right notes. The entire meal is made in a single skillet, making both prep and cleanup speedy and stress-free. This is the perfect crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and food lovers alike!

Mastering the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

For a truly luscious sauce, sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant, then create a creamy base with heavy cream and chicken broth. Freshly grated Parmesan is then stirred in, melting gradually to achieve ultra-smooth, cheesy flavor. The secret is not to rush this step—let the cheese melt slowly to avoid any graininess and ensure a velvety consistency.

Assembling Your Creamy Chicken Pasta

After preparing the sauce, sear sliced chicken breast until crispy and golden for added texture and flavor. Add cooked pasta directly into the pan, coating each strand with the luxurious garlic-Parmesan sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and extra cheese, then serve hot for a massively satisfying weeknight dinner.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. A side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, rounding out your plate without stealing the spotlight from the pasta’s creamy richness.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each serving typically contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the type of cream and pasta used. It’s a rich yet balanced meal thanks to protein-packed chicken and a modest portion of pasta.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Recipe Recap)

This quick and easy dinner delivers an irresistible combination of juicy chicken, garlicky creaminess, and a blanket of Parmesan—guaranteed to satisfy and ready in only 30 minutes.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a streamlined, categorized shopping list—perfect for efficient grocery runs and organized weekly meal planning!

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant (don’t let it brown).
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). If sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a dream for meal prep and planning—made in 30 minutes, it’s easy to reheate for lunches or quick dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to automatically generate smart shopping lists that consolidate your week’s ingredients, saving time and avoiding duplicate purchases.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient quantities across all your planned recipes
– Organizes shopping list by grocery aisle, making shopping a breeze
– Reduces food waste and prevents forgotten or duplicate items
– Helps plan balanced meals for the week

Pro tip: Schedule your meals to see how ingredients overlap—if you’re using fresh parsley or Parmesan in other dishes, the app tallies exactly how much you’ll need. Grocery shopping for homemade meals has never been more effortless!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes