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

Introduction

When you need comfort food that doesn’t take hours to prepare, few dishes hit the mark like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This recipe elevates simple pantry staples into a rich, satisfying meal featuring juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and sure to win over the pickiest eaters, this pasta comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Why Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

This pasta recipe is a sure crowd pleaser due to its creamy texture, punchy garlic flavor, and generous coating of parmesan cheese. Elegant enough for dinner guests yet simple enough for everyday meals, it features a silky, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of chicken and pasta. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it’s the perfect solution to weeknight dinner dilemmas.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The sauce is what truly makes this dish shine. Fragrant garlic, melted butter, and rich cream form the base, while freshly grated parmesan cheese adds bold, umami flavor and helps the sauce thicken naturally. The key: slowly add the cheese while whisking constantly—it will melt into the sauce, making it glossy, smooth, and utterly irresistible.

Assembling Your Creamy Chicken Pasta

After sautéing the seasoned chicken until golden and tender, whisk up your creamy garlic sauce right in the same pan to absorb all the flavorful bits. Toss in your cooked pasta, letting it soak up every bit of creamy goodness. If you want extra color or nutrition, feel free to fold in baby spinach or fresh herbs right before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve this pasta piping hot, garnished with extra parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cracked black pepper. Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves four. Per serving, expect approximately 540 calories (depending on the exact ingredients used), 32g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It delivers a hearty, satisfying dinner that feels like a gourmet treat—without overpowering richness.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Recap)

Quick, creamy, and loaded with flavor, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your new go-to for a fast, fuss-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy!

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with everything you need, sorted by grocery store section. CookifyAI makes it easy to stay efficient and never forget a key ingredient!

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute (do not brown).
5. Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat to medium, and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened.
6. Toss cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet. If sauce needs loosening, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Stir in spinach or cherry tomatoes (if using), and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted/heated through.
8. Adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect for meal prepping and easy weeknight planning. Save and schedule this recipe to have it on your dinner rotation and let CookifyAI generate a smart shopping list that combines all your planned recipes for the week.

Planning Benefits:

• Aggregates ingredient amounts across multiple recipes
• Keeps your shopping list organized by store section
• Reduces food waste by preventing ingredient overlap or forgotten items
• Simplifies weekly meal prep with a clear, step-by-step plan

Pro tip: When you add more meals to your weekly planner, schedule recipes together to see exactly how many of each ingredient you need—no more guesswork or duplicate trips to the store!

Cook and Prep Times

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

Enjoy this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a rich, quick dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite!