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

A cozy bowl of creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is comfort food at its finest. This recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights, yet delicious enough to impress at family dinners. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce come together in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this dish will become a recipe you’ll crave every single week.

Yan Brodji

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A cozy 30-minute dinner featuring juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Quick enough for busy weeknights yet rich enough to impress guests, this pasta is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 720

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• ▢ 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• ▢ 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli), penne, or rotini
• ▢ 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ▢ 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• ▢ 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• ▢ 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
• ▢ 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ▢ Salt and black pepper to taste
• ▢ 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• ▢
  large skillet
• ▢
  pot for pasta
• ▢
  colander
• ▢
  Wooden spoon or spatula
• ▢
  chef’s knife
• ▢
  Cutting board

Method

 

1. ▢
   Cook pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. ▢
   Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked. Remove to a plate.
3. ▢
   Reduce heat to medium, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. ▢
   Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. ▢
   Lower heat and whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
6. ▢
   Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss gently until coated. Add splash of pasta water if needed. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 38gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1020IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 330mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt. Swap half the cream for milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth. A splash of lemon or white wine can brighten the flavors beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh chicken.
• The garlic-Parmesan cream sauce is silky, rich, and full of flavor.
• A one-pan pasta dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Here’s everything you need for your new favorite pasta dish:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli), penne, or rotini
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook Pasta & Chicken

1. Cook pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium‑high heat.
4. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove to a plate.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter.
2. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (30–60 seconds).
3. Deglaze skillet with chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor.
4. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Lower heat to low and gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.

Bring it All Together

1. Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet along with drained pasta.
2. Toss gently until every noodle is coated in the sauce.
3. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if you want a silkier texture.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Practical Tips for Perfect Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt. Pre-shredded often clumps.
• Want lighter sauce? Swap half the cream for milk or use Greek yogurt at the end.
• A squeeze of lemon juice at serving brightens flavors beautifully.
• Love a flavor boost? Replace ¼ cup of cream with dry white wine after deglazing.

Bonus Ideas to Customize

• Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth.
• Stir in fresh spinach or baby kale at the end for a green boost.
• Swap chicken with beef strips or even venison for a heartier version.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes on top for extra zest.

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is your go-to weeknight dinner hero-warm, quick, and family-approved. Pin this recipe to save for later, share it with friends, and most importantly, give it a try tonight!