Looking for a quick, mouthwatering dinner that feels like restaurant-quality? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your go-to meal. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken and pasta smothered in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Ready in Just 30 Minutes!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick 30-minute meal that brings rich, comforting flavors to your dinner table. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce come together for a family-favorite dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless large chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
8 oz twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Boil salted water and cook the twisted pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add chicken broth and stir, scraping up the brown bits. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Return the chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
8. Cook for 2 more minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for more or less heat.
Pasta can be swapped with penne or fettuccine.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, 30 minute meals, weeknight dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to whip up this rich, flavorful chicken pasta dish:
Meat
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Canned Goods
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Pasta & Grains
- 8 oz twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)
Dairy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping the brown bits from the pan.
Add the heavy cream slowly, stirring continuously. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and Finish
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan. Toss everything until well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors blend together perfectly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.
Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
- Grate your own parmesan for a creamier sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta Dish
- Quick and easy to make
- Packed with rich, savory flavors
- Family-friendly and comforting
- One-pan clean-up for minimal mess
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy chicken pasta with:
- Garlic bread
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the chicken tender.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect 30-minute dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.