Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of pasta that comes together in minutes but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. I first fell in love with this kind of dish during my college years, when my roommate and I would take turns trying to outdo each other with our “gourmet” budget dinners. One particularly memorable evening, she whipped up a version of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, and it was an instant game-changer. It was rich, satisfying, and felt incredibly fancy, yet it was made with simple ingredients we always had on hand. That’s the magic of this recipe—it transforms humble staples into a meal that feels both special and completely doable on any busy weeknight. This easy chicken pasta recipe is my go-to when I need a dinner that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table without keeping me in the kitchen all evening.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta begins with a straightforward ingredient list that delivers maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Smart Substitutions: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk (though the sauce will be slightly less rich). You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender meat. If you’re out of fresh garlic, 1 tsp of garlic powder works in a pinch. For a different cheese profile, try Asiago or Romano cheese.

Quick Timing Breakdown

This one pot pasta dinner comes together in record time, making it perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal. Prep time is just 10 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes, and total time is 30 minutes from start to finish. That’s about 40% faster than many traditional pasta recipes that require multiple pots and lengthy simmering times.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time. The key to this easy chicken pasta recipe is building layers of flavor while keeping the process efficient.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is gold for adjusting your sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. This step builds incredible depth of flavor. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon beautifully. If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our 30-Minute Creamy Tortellini Carbonara for another quick Italian-inspired meal.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

This recipe serves 4 and each serving contains approximately 580 calories, 45g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It’s also rich in calcium from the Parmesan and provides a good source of selenium from the chicken. For a higher protein variation that uses similar techniques, check out our High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe.

Equipment Needed for This 30 Minute Meal

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this restaurant-quality dish at home. A large skillet or sauté pan, a large pot for boiling pasta, a wooden spoon or spatula, a cheese grater (freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded), and measuring cups and spoons are all you need. That’s it! No special gadgets required.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for several compelling reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile—you can adapt it based on what you have available. Second, the creamy garlic sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours. Third, it’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for busy families. Fourth, the combination of tender chicken and al dente pasta coated in that rich Parmesan sauce is simply irresistible. Finally, it looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.

Healthier Alternatives for Your Chicken Pasta

If you’re watching your diet but still crave comforting pasta dishes, this recipe adapts beautifully. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta—the sauce works perfectly with any pasta shape. To reduce calories, substitute half the heavy cream with evaporated milk or Greek yogurt (add yogurt at the end off heat to prevent curdling). For added vegetables, stir in spinach during the last few minutes of cooking or add roasted broccoli florets when combining everything. If you prefer keeping the garlic Parmesan flavor but want to switch proteins, our Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon offers a delicious seafood alternative.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

While this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is satisfying on its own, the right accompaniments can turn it into a memorable meal. Start with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser for soaking up any extra sauce. For vegetable sides, roasted asparagus or green beans complement the dish beautifully. If you’re serving guests, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully. For a different take on the garlic Parmesan chicken combination without pasta, our Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes makes a fantastic alternative.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect Results

Even simple recipes can have pitfalls. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them. First, don’t use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese—it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and can make your sauce grainy. Always grate your own. Second, avoid boiling the cream sauce once the cheese is added, as this can cause separation. Keep it at a gentle simmer. Third, don’t skip reserving pasta water—this starchy liquid is essential for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta. Fourth, make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken, or it will steam instead of developing that beautiful golden crust. Finally, taste as you go—cheese saltiness varies, so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Storing Tips for Your Leftover Pasta

This pasta stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Microwave reheating can make the sauce separate, so stovetop is preferred. Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well as the dairy-based sauce may separate upon thawing. If you need freezer-friendly options with similar creamy profiles, our Chicken Florentine Recipe offers a luxurious sauce that holds up better to freezing.

Final Thoughts on This Family Favorite

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta truly embodies what weeknight cooking should be—approachable, satisfying, and consistently delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home kitchen simplicity. The creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta create a harmony of textures and flavors that please both kids and adults alike. I love how this dish brings people together around the table without requiring hours of preparation. Give this recipe a try on your next busy evening—I think you’ll find it becomes one of your go-to 30 minute meals too. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest when you share your creations

FAQs about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Adam
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This easy chicken pasta recipe transforms humble staples into a rich, satisfying meal that feels both special and completely doable on any busy weeknight. Ready in just 30 minutes with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy. Return chicken to skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender meat. If out of fresh garlic, 1 tsp garlic powder works. Don’t use pre-shredded Parmesan as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 145mg

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