Print

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

A bowl of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken and fresh parsley.

A quick and easy creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. This Italian-American dish is flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil or butter.
  3. Cook chicken for 4โ€“5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil or butter if needed. Sautรฉ garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 3โ€“5 minutes.
  7. Slice or dice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta.
  8. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
  9. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Add spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra vegetables.
  • Use grilled chicken for a smoky twist.
  • Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or mix in mozzarella.
  • Reheat gently with cream or broth to restore sauce texture.
  • Best served fresh; freezing not recommended due to cream sauce separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, chicken pasta, italian-american recipe, quick pasta