CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA

Picture this: a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly delicious and ready in just 30 minutes. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen! With this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!), you can whip up a restaurant-worthy meal that will have everyone begging for seconds. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, made simple and satisfyingly cheesy!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Alright, friend, let’s make sure we have everything we need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry if you need to make a quick substitution here and there – cooking should be fun and adaptable!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the chicken.
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning: For that classic Italian taste.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape!
• 8 cups Water: For cooking the pasta.
• 1 tsp Salt: To season the pasta water.

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tbsp Butter: The base for our luscious sauce.
• 4 cloves Garlic: Minced finely. Don’t be shy!
• 1 cup Heavy Cream: The key to the creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works too!
• 1/4 cup Chicken Broth: Adds a little extra flavor and thins the sauce slightly.
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a little kick!
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step to Pasta Perfection

Okay, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step, and you’ll be amazed at how easy this is.

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set the chicken aside.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. You might need it to adjust the sauce consistency later!
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

1. In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Secrets to the Creamiest, Most Delicious Sauce

Want to take your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to the next level? Here are a few tricks up my sleeve!

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Freshly grated melts like a dream!
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and can ruin the whole dish. Cook it gently until fragrant.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold! It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and adds a creamy texture.

Variations: Spice It Up!

This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great starting point for experimenting. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted broccoli for added nutrients and flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Use Different Protein: Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu would be delicious in this dish.
• Cheese Please! Consider adding a blend of cheeses. A little asiago or romano would be divine!

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve with Your Pasta

Complete your meal with some complementary sides. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.

Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely get a head start:

• Chop the Vegetables: Chop any vegetables you plan to add in advance.
• Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Keep in mind that the pasta and sauce are best made fresh, but you can reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Craving More? Explore these Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes

If you are looking for some similar great chicken recipes, why not try some of these?

• Enjoy a quick and easy meal with these CHEESY GARLIC CHICKEN WRAPS.
• Another great option is this GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA recipe that is similar to this one.
• If you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, try this recipe for HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA
• You can even try GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PERFECTION if you’re looking for a chicken dish without pasta.
• This GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA is another take on this classic dish.
• Looking for a one-pan wonder? Check out this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta.

Final Thoughts: You Got This!

There you have it! Your guide to creating a truly amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in just 30 minutes. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe. I know you’re going to nail it and impress everyone with your culinary skills. Now, go forth and cook up some deliciousness!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight. It features tender chicken and pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy garlic parmesan sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb pasta penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape
• 8 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set the chicken aside.
• While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out. You can add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients and flavor.