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

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. This dish brings together tender chicken, a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner when you need something quick but crave something indulgent. The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a robust flavor profile that feels restaurant-quality but is easy enough to make at home.

What makes this recipe a true weeknight hero is how effortlessly it comes together — you only need 30 minutes from start to finish. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal on the table faster than takeout. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this pasta dish delivers cozy satisfaction with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a dinner — fast, flavorful, and comforting. Here’s why it’ll become a regular in your rotation:

Quick and Easy
Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of prep or cleanup.

Full of Flavor
Garlic and Parmesan are a classic combo, offering rich, savory depth. Add in juicy, well-seasoned chicken, and you’ve got a dish that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian bistro.

Versatile Ingredients
You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen — pasta, cream, chicken, garlic, and cheese. It’s easy to throw together without a special trip to the store.

Kid-Friendly
The creamy sauce and mild flavors make this a hit with kids and picky eaters. You can skip the red pepper flakes for a more mellow version.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making lunch for the week, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)

• Garlic (4–5 cloves, minced or finely chopped)

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Chicken broth or stock

• Pasta: fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type

• Olive oil or butter

• Seasonings:

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Italian seasoning

  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

• Lemon (optional, for a touch of acidity/brightness)

Substitutions for dietary preferences:

• For dairy-free, use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan.

• For gluten-free, swap the pasta for gluten-free alternatives.

• For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream, or swap chicken with tofu or mushrooms.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, ready to be added back into the dish.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water — this can be added to your sauce later to help thicken and emulsify it. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan you cooked the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add a bit more butter or olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant — about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. If too thin, simmer for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand or piece in the creamy garlic Parmesan goodness.

Next, add the sliced chicken back into the pan, mixing until everything is evenly distributed and warmed through. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Make the Sauce Extra Creamy
Use heavy cream for the richest texture. For an even silkier result, you can also blend in a small spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone.

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
Sear the chicken just until it’s cooked through (165°F internal temp). Letting it rest before slicing helps lock in moisture.

Customize Your Pasta
This dish works with nearly any pasta shape — try rotini, bow tie, or even gnocchi. You can also add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce or finish the dish with a pinch on top for a bit of heat without overpowering the creamy base.

Make It a One-Pan Meal
Use an oven-safe skillet or sauté pan and cook the chicken, sauce, and pasta (if pre-cooked or one-pot-ready) all in one place. Fewer dishes and more flavor!

Why This Recipe is Great for Meal Prep

This dish is a fantastic option for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta before microwaving or reheating on the stove. This helps restore the sauce’s creamy texture and prevents it from drying out.

If you want to freeze leftovers, transfer them into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm slowly on the stove or microwave with a bit of added liquid.

It’s a comforting, make-ahead meal you’ll be glad to have on hand during a busy week!