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

Introduction

Looking for a quick but seriously comforting dinner that’s packed with robust flavor? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes. In just 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy tender chicken nestled in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an ideal weeknight solution for when you want gourmet taste without a lot of fuss.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This recipe stands out for its luscious, garlicky cream sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, and juicy, pan-seared chicken adding a satisfying bite. Think restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and minimal prep—truly a dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds, whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or an impromptu dinner party.

Building the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

Start by sautéing fresh garlic until fragrant, then blend in heavy cream and Parmesan for that rich, luxurious flavor. The key is to simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to marry. A touch of Italian seasoning adds depth, while a bit of reserved pasta water ensures a glossy, smooth finish that perfectly coats the noodles.

How to Assemble Your Creamy Chicken Pasta

Slice and cook the chicken until golden and tender, set aside to keep juicy. Toss your favorite pasta in the velvety sauce, then pile on the seared chicken. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and a crack of black pepper for a meal that delivers on taste and comfort.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve alongside a crisp green salad and some toasted garlic bread to round out the meal. For an extra pop of color and nutrition, toss in a handful of spinach or peas just before serving. This classic pairing is guaranteed to satisfy hungry appetites and makes for an impressive dinner that comes together in no time.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 and each portion includes approximately 550-650 calories, depending on your choice of pasta and any added vegetables. It offers a hearty balance of protein and carbs, with the added bonus of creamy, cheesy satisfaction.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a streamlined shopping list, sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free weekly meal prep.

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken until golden and just cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside, keeping warm.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens, 2-3 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
6. Toss drained pasta into the sauce, coating evenly. Stir in spinach or peas, if using, and cook until wilted or warmed through.
7. Top pasta with sliced chicken. Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Weekly Meal Planning

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a stellar candidate for your weekly meal rotation. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which night of the week to enjoy it, and automatically add all ingredients to a master shopping list—making grocery runs and meal prep effortless.

Planning Benefits:

• Consolidates total ingredient amounts across all planned recipes
• Sorts your shopping list by grocery store category
• Reduces duplicated ingredients (no more guessing how much chicken or Parmesan you need for the week!)
• Simplifies both single meals and larger family meal prepping

Pro tip: When planning several dinners, schedule your recipes to see overlapping ingredients for maximum efficiency—helping you buy the right amount and cut down on food waste.

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 fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner that’s ideal to add to your weekly meal plan!