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

Introduction

Looking for a dinner that’s delightfully rich, seriously comforting, and quick enough for any busy weeknight? Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, robust garlic flavor, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce—all in just 30 minutes. This dish delivers restaurant-level taste with the convenience and simplicity home cooks crave.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

What makes this recipe a go-to for families and food lovers alike is its irresistible combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and the gentle bite of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that pairs easily with a green salad or roasted veggies, making it perfect for weeknight meals and casual gatherings.

Mastering the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

The signature sauce starts with aromatic sautéed garlic, then gets enriched with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. This creates an ultra-silky consistency that coats every strand of pasta. For an extra punch of flavor, a hint of Italian seasoning or a pinch of crushed red pepper can be incorporated before tossing with the pasta and seared chicken.

Simple Steps for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Preparation is simple: sear the chicken, create the sauce, then combine with cooked pasta for a one-pan masterpiece. The steps are straightforward and forgiving—making it easy for both novice and experienced cooks to produce delicious, consistent results.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Serve this pasta with garlic bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright finish. For a lighter meal, add steamed broccoli or grilled asparagus on the side. The creamy, cheesy flavor profile pairs exceptionally well with crisp salads or a squeeze of lemon just before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 generous servings. Each bowl contains a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates—coming in at around 500–600 calories per serving, depending on ingredient specifics. It’s a satisfying meal that provides energy and comfort in every bite.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Recap)

This 30-minute dinner marries juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a decadent Parmesan garlic sauce for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Its bold flavors and creamy texture make it a frequent request at any dinner table.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 5-6 minutes, turning until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
5. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too quickly.
6. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat with sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for creaminess.
7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a fantastic choice for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to add it seamlessly to your meal plan and automatically generate a detailed shopping list organized by store sections.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically totals up ingredient quantities across all scheduled recipes
• Consolidates your grocery list—no duplicates or forgotten items
• Makes meal prep more efficient and helps keep your weekly eating organized

Pro tip: When building your meal plan, schedule all your recipes–CookifyAI will show ingredient overlaps and optimize your shopping. For example, if you need heavy cream for both this pasta and another dish, it’ll combine totals to simplify your list and reduce food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

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