Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter; 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 13 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!). This dish is decadent yet approachable, overflowing with juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a dreamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that comes together faster than you’d believe. Every bite is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, making it the kind of meal you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) shines with a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. Fresh garlic and Parmesan imbue the sauce with irresistible flavor, while Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes round everything out. Here are the key players and why you shouldn’t skip a single one:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cubed for quick, even cooking; they provide essential protein and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini): Twisted or shaped pasta is the best at catching all that gorgeous, creamy sauce with every forkful.
Unsalted butter: Essential for sautéing the chicken and building the flavorful base of the sauce; using unsalted lets you control the dish’s seasoning.
Fresh garlic cloves: The flavor backbone — when minced fresh, garlic brings a wonderfully aromatic kick.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce texture we crave in this recipe — the base of indulgence!
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps balance out the richness with just a bit of savory lightness.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts best and delivers a nutty, salty burst to each bite. Pre-shredded varieties just can’t compete.
Italian seasoning: Amp up the flavor with this blend of herbs, adding a touch of rustic Italian flair.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle, lingering heat, this brings a little spark to the sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Bring all the components together; season generously and taste as you go.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top, parsley adds a pop of color and a final fresh note that brightens the whole dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!)

Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Sear the Chicken

Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until it’s just al dente; don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that glorious pasta water before you drain it — you might need it for the sauce later. Meanwhile, pat your chicken cubes dry, season them with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning, and toss them in a hot skillet with a bit of melting butter. Sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the pieces turn a beautiful golden brown and are just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.

Step 2: Build That Dreamy Garlic-Parmesan Sauce

Drop the heat to medium and introduce the rest of the butter to your skillet. Toss in the minced garlic (and those optional red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat), cooking just until fragrant — 30 to 60 seconds will do. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan for all those delicious brown bits, followed by the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for two to three minutes to thicken up, then reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan. Watch as it turns into a silky, golden sauce that clings perfectly.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together and Serve

Return your cooked chicken (and all its flavorful juices) to the skillet, along with the freshly drained pasta. Gently toss it all together, letting every piece get coated in that luscious sauce. If things get a bit too thick, add splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your ideal creaminess. Give it a taste — add more salt or pepper if needed! Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley, and serve this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) right away while it’s at peak perfection.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!)

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch! Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. For even more pizzazz, shower your pasta with extra freshly grated Parmesan or a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper. If you adore citrus, a squeeze of lemon brings lively brightness to the plate.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad tossed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. Of course, you can never go wrong with warm, crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your pasta family-style on a big platter, letting everyone dig in. Or twirl individual nests of noodles onto plates and top each with extra chicken and a flourish of parsley. For special occasions, pair with a glass of chilled white wine and candlelight — it’s secretly easy but feels so fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), transfer the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for an excellent next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to two months. Just know that creamy sauces may separate slightly upon thawing, but a gentle reheat and a splash of cream can bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, add a little splash of milk or cream to the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed and creamy. You can also use the microwave for individual portions — again, add a bit of liquid and cover loosely to keep things moist and prevent the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and offer a richer flavor, so they’ll work gorgeously in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!). Just make sure they’re boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

You can lighten things up by using half-and-half or whole milk instead of cream, but keep in mind that the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. If you’re after that signature silkiness, a touch of cream really goes a long way!

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, so Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) is easily adaptable for gluten-free eaters.

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in spinach, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes when you add the chicken back to the skillet. It’s a great way to amp up color, nutrition, and flavor without much extra work.

What’s the best way to make the sauce extra smooth?

The secret is freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded!) and whisking until fully melted. Adding the cheese gradually over low heat prevents clumping, so you end up with that luxurious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting or crowd-pleasing as a big bowl of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!). I hope this recipe finds a cozy spot in your weeknight repertoire and that you’ll share it with the people you love. Give it a try, and prepare to hear rave reviews around your table!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!)

Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Sear the Chicken

Step 2: Build That Dreamy Garlic-Parmesan Sauce

Step 3: Toss Everything Together and Serve